Karuna Cheyvan by Varsha Varma

There is an honesty to Karuna Cheyvan that separates it from most Malayalam songs released around the same time. Credit goes to Irayimman Thampi for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

The voice of Varsha Varma carries Karuna Cheyvan effortlessly, which is the highest compliment a song can give its singer. a talented ensemble cast are at the heart of Karuna Cheyvan, and Karuna Cheyvan captures their dynamic at its most compelling.

The song dates from 2020, but nothing about it sounds dated — the emotions it captures are not tied to a moment. The song rewards full attention but also works as company in the background — a flexibility that most tracks never achieve.

Running to 6:11, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. The track stands as evidence that Varsha Varma and Irayimman Thampi, working together, are capable of something well above the ordinary.