Manikettal by Sujith Krishna

Not every song from Manikettal lingers, but Manikettal is the one that stays. The arrangement here is the work of Ranjith Ram, and it shows genuine craft in how it builds and releases.

The voice of Sujith Krishna carries Manikettal 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 Manikettal, making it as much a performance as a song.

When it came out in 2020, Manikettal felt timely. Years later, it feels timeless. There is no right time to listen to Manikettal. There is only the moment you press play and realise it was the right choice.

The concision of Manikettal — just 4:34 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. The track stands as evidence that Sujith Krishna and Ranjith Ram, working together, are capable of something well above the ordinary.