Parimalam by Ashraf Perumukha

Parimalam arrived from the Parimalam album and quickly became one of the most replayed tracks of 2020. T K Abu's arrangement gives the track a layered quality that rewards repeated listening.

Ashraf Perumukha 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.

The song dates from 2020, but nothing about it sounds dated — the emotions it captures are not tied to a moment. Parimalam is the song for the end of a long day when you want music that understands something without being asked to explain it.

Running to 4:51, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. For anyone yet to hear Parimalam, the experience ahead is a good one. For those returning, it will be as good as they remember.