Muthu Habeebe by Ashkar

There is an honesty to Muthu Habeebe that separates it from most Malayalam songs released around the same time. What makes Muthu Habeebe musically distinctive is the composition by Basith, which balances simplicity with depth.

Ashkar inhabits this song completely, making every phrase feel like it was written specifically for this voice. 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.

By the end of 2020, Muthu Habeebe had moved well beyond its original audience and into everyday playlists. There is a quality to Muthu Habeebe that makes it feel like company — the kind of song you put on when words feel insufficient.

Running to 4:50, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. The song continues to find new listeners, which is the surest sign that it was made with something genuine at its core.