Monjulloru Penne by Kannur Sherref

Monjulloru Penne arrived from the Monjulloru Penne album and quickly became one of the most replayed tracks of 2020. Credit goes to Nousadh Parannur for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

Kannur Sherref inhabits this song completely, making every phrase feel like it was written specifically for this voice. Hearing Monjulloru Penne without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Monjulloru Penne.

When it came out in 2020, Monjulloru Penne felt timely. Years later, it feels timeless. Monjulloru Penne is the song for the end of a long day when you want music that understands something without being asked to explain it.

The concision of Monjulloru Penne — just 6:17 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. It is, simply, one of the better songs to come from Malayalam in recent memory — and the numbers agree.