Pathiye Ithal Vidarum by K. S. Chithra, KS Harisankar

Pathiye Ithal Vidarum arrived from the Pathiye Ithal Vidarum album and quickly became one of the most replayed tracks of 2020. Vijith Nambiar built the instrumental foundation carefully here — every element earns its place in the mix.

There are singers who perform songs and singers who live inside them. On Pathiye Ithal Vidarum, K. S. Chithra, KS Harisankar clearly belongs in the second group. Hearing Pathiye Ithal Vidarum without thinking of Manesh Krishnan, Gopika Anil is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Pathiye Ithal Vidarum.

2020 was a strong year for Malayalam music, and Pathiye Ithal Vidarum was among the reasons why. Pathiye Ithal Vidarum is the song for the end of a long day when you want music that understands something without being asked to explain it.

The concision of Pathiye Ithal Vidarum — just 5:25 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. This is music that holds up — not because it is perfect, but because it is honest, and honesty in a song is irreplaceable.