Malikappurathamme by Chithra Arun

Malikappurathamme is the kind of song that earns its place in a playlist and then refuses to leave. Alleppy Ranganath has a history of strong work, and the music on Malikappurathamme is among the most memorable of it.

Chithra Arun brings a warmth to Malikappurathamme that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. The song is tied to a talented ensemble cast, whose presence gives Malikappurathamme a visual dimension that fans of the film will always associate with it.

By the end of 2020, Malikappurathamme had moved well beyond its original audience and into everyday playlists. 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 Malikappurathamme — just 5:47 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. The staying power of Malikappurathamme is not a mystery. It is just what happens when every element of a song is exactly right.