Laila - Notebook by Dhvani Bhanushali

Laila - Notebook works because it does not try to do too much — it finds one feeling and holds it perfectly. The music, composed by Vishal Mishra, carries the song forward with a confidence that matches the performance.

The performance by Dhvani Bhanushali is the centrepiece here — controlled where it needs to be, open where it counts. Featuring a talented ensemble cast, the song carries the weight of the film's emotional arc and delivers it with conviction.

2019 was a strong year for Hindi music, and Laila - Notebook was among the reasons why. The emotional register of Laila - Notebook is wide enough to fit celebration and solitude equally well.

Running to 4:05, 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 Laila - Notebook, the experience ahead is a good one. For those returning, it will be as good as they remember.