Ninakkayi by Saleem Kodathoor

The Ninakkayi album has several strong tracks, but Ninakkayi is the one most listeners come back to first. Credit goes to Saleem Kodathoor, Firos Thamalssery for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

Saleem Kodathoor brings a warmth to Ninakkayi that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. The story told by a talented ensemble cast in Ninakkayi finds its musical expression here — Ninakkayi is where the film's heart beats loudest.

2020 marked the release of Ninakkayi, and Ninakkayi was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. There is no right time to listen to Ninakkayi. There is only the moment you press play and realise it was the right choice.

At 6:12, the track does not overstay its welcome — it says what it needs to say and leaves the listener wanting more. It is, simply, one of the better songs to come from Malayalam in recent memory — and the numbers agree.