Manassinte Madrasa by Shahabaz Aman, Sithara Krishnakumar

Few songs from 2020 have held their ground as well as Manassinte Madrasa, a track that keeps finding new audiences. Shahabaz Aman, Sithara Krishnakumar sets the tone from the very first bar — it is clear from the opening notes that this song means business.

The performance by Shahabaz Aman, Sithara Krishnakumar is the centrepiece here — controlled where it needs to be, open where it counts. On screen, a talented ensemble cast bring the emotional world of the song to life in a way that enhances rather than competes with the music.

2020 marked the release of Manassinte Madrasa, and Manassinte Madrasa was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. It is the kind of track that works at full volume with friends and equally well in a quiet room alone — the mood adjusts without the song changing.

The 3:51 runtime feels perfectly judged — long enough to develop its ideas, short enough to compel a second play. For anyone yet to hear Manassinte Madrasa, the experience ahead is a good one. For those returning, it will be as good as they remember.