Panineer by Rehna

Panineer is one of those rare Malayalam tracks that manages to feel both fresh and familiar the moment it begins. The production by Pyaari P is understated in the best way — supportive without overshadowing the vocal.

There are singers who perform songs and singers who live inside them. On Panineer, Rehna clearly belongs in the second group. Hearing Panineer without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Panineer.

In 2020, Malayalam produced many songs, but Panineer was one of the handful that genuinely cut through. The emotional register of Panineer is wide enough to fit celebration and solitude equally well.

At 4:19, 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.