Makka Madeena by Shankar Mahadevan, Ramesh Narayan

Released as part of Makka Madeena, Makka Madeena announced itself as a standout the moment it reached listeners. Credit goes to Ramesh Narayan for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

What sets this recording apart is how Shankar Mahadevan, Ramesh Narayan handles the emotional weight — never overplaying, never holding back. Featuring Salim Kumar, Kalabhavan Mani, the song carries the weight of the film's emotional arc and delivers it with conviction.

2020 marked the release of Makka Madeena, and Makka Madeena was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. It fits the playlist for almost any occasion, which is rare — most songs have a narrow emotional window. This one does not.

Running to 5:32, 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 Makka Madeena, the experience ahead is a good one. For those returning, it will be as good as they remember.