Pathinalam by Shafi Kollam, Manaf Ali, Jassie Gift

There is an honesty to Pathinalam that separates it from most Malayalam songs released around the same time. Behind the melody is the work of Shafi Kollam, Manaf Ali, Jassie Gift, Nizar Vadakara, whose composition choices give Pathinalam its distinctive texture.

Shafi Kollam, Manaf Ali, Jassie Gift brings a warmth to Pathinalam that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. a talented ensemble cast gave the film its soul, and Pathinalam is the song that most directly channels that feeling into music.

2020 marked the release of Pathinalam, and Pathinalam was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. Whether it plays on a long drive, during a quiet evening at home, or through earphones on a crowded commute, the song meets the listener where they are.

Running to 5:37, 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 Pathinalam, the experience ahead is a good one. For those returning, it will be as good as they remember.