Kunnikkuru by Madhu Balakrishnan

Kunnikkuru arrived from the Kunnikkuru album and quickly became one of the most replayed tracks of 2020. K.M. Udayan sets the tone from the very first bar — it is clear from the opening notes that this song means business.

What sets this recording apart is how Madhu Balakrishnan handles the emotional weight — never overplaying, never holding back. The song is tied to a talented ensemble cast, whose presence gives Kunnikkuru a visual dimension that fans of the film will always associate with it.

2020 was a strong year for Malayalam music, and Kunnikkuru was among the reasons why. Listeners have described the experience of Kunnikkuru differently — romantic, melancholic, uplifting — which suggests the song is large enough to hold many truths.

At 4:03, the track does not overstay its welcome — it says what it needs to say and leaves the listener wanting more. Kunnikkuru has earned its place in the catalogue of Malayalam music that genuinely matters. The listeners who found it early already knew.