Mayil Mukal Earivrum by Manoj Kumar

Released as part of Mayil Mukal Earivrum, Mayil Mukal Earivrum announced itself as a standout the moment it reached listeners. Sajeev Thayikkattukara sets the tone from the very first bar — it is clear from the opening notes that this song means business.

The performance by Manoj Kumar 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 was a strong year for Malayalam music, and Mayil Mukal Earivrum was among the reasons why. There is no right time to listen to Mayil Mukal Earivrum. There is only the moment you press play and realise it was the right choice.

Running to 11:00, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. It is, simply, one of the better songs to come from Malayalam in recent memory — and the numbers agree.