Kaarmukilil by Rahul Raj, Shreya Ghoshal, Nikhil Mathew, Rafeeq Ahamed

Kaarmukilil works because it does not try to do too much — it finds one feeling and holds it perfectly. Rahul Raj sets the tone from the very first bar — it is clear from the opening notes that this song means business.

Rahul Raj, Shreya Ghoshal, Nikhil Mathew, Rafeeq Ahamed brings a warmth to Kaarmukilil that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. Hearing Kaarmukilil without thinking of Asif Ali, Nithya Menen is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Kaarmukilil.

2024 marked the release of Kaarmukilil, and Kaarmukilil was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. It is the kind of track that works at full volume with friends and equally well in a quiet room alone — the mood adjusts without the song changing.

Running to 4:21, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. For anyone yet to hear Kaarmukilil, the experience ahead is a good one. For those returning, it will be as good as they remember.