Kashtathayullavare by Kester

Kashtathayullavare arrived from the Kashtathayullavare 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.

Kester delivers the lyrics with a nuance that turns an already strong song into something genuinely moving. a talented ensemble cast are at the heart of Kashtathayullavare, and Kashtathayullavare captures their dynamic at its most compelling.

2020 was a strong year for Malayalam music, and Kashtathayullavare was among the reasons why. It fits the playlist for almost any occasion, which is rare — most songs have a narrow emotional window. This one does not.

The concision of Kashtathayullavare — just 6:16 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. Songs like Kashtathayullavare are the reason people fall in love with Malayalam music and never quite fall out of it.