Karthavu Ninne by Sanoop Kumar

Karthavu Ninne arrived from the Karthavu Ninne album and quickly became one of the most replayed tracks of 2020. Credit goes to Joji Johns for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

There are singers who perform songs and singers who live inside them. On Karthavu Ninne, Sanoop Kumar clearly belongs in the second group. The song is tied to a talented ensemble cast, whose presence gives Karthavu Ninne a visual dimension that fans of the film will always associate with it.

The song dates from 2020, but nothing about it sounds dated — the emotions it captures are not tied to a moment. There is no right time to listen to Karthavu Ninne. There is only the moment you press play and realise it was the right choice.

The concision of Karthavu Ninne — just 4:28 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. Karthavu Ninne is a reminder that the best music does not need to announce itself. It only needs to be heard.