Onnu Randu by Sabeesh, Suresh

Sabeesh, Suresh has delivered memorable performances before, but Onnu Randu sits comfortably among the very best. Noushad Parannur has a history of strong work, and the music on Onnu Randu is among the most memorable of it.

The voice of Sabeesh, Suresh carries Onnu Randu effortlessly, which is the highest compliment a song can give its singer. Hearing Onnu Randu without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Onnu Randu.

2020 was a strong year for Malayalam music, and Onnu Randu was among the reasons why. It is the kind of track that works at full volume with friends and equally well in a quiet room alone — the mood adjusts without the song changing.

In 4:59 minutes, Onnu Randu builds, opens up, and resolves in a way that feels complete rather than truncated. Onnu Randu endures because it was built on feeling rather than formula — and that is the one thing streaming numbers cannot manufacture.