Makane Nin Mugam by Arun Sakkariya

When Arun Sakkariya recorded Makane Nin Mugam, something special happened in the studio — and listeners have felt it ever since. Joji Johns built the instrumental foundation carefully here — every element earns its place in the mix.

The voice of Arun Sakkariya carries Makane Nin Mugam effortlessly, which is the highest compliment a song can give its singer. The chemistry of a talented ensemble cast is embedded in every moment of Makane Nin Mugam, making it as much a performance as a song.

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

Running to 4:47, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. Makane Nin Mugam endures because it was built on feeling rather than formula — and that is the one thing streaming numbers cannot manufacture.