Pularippoo by Sithara Krishnakumar

When Sithara Krishnakumar recorded Pularippoo, something special happened in the studio — and listeners have felt it ever since. Viswajith has a history of strong work, and the music on Pularippoo is among the most memorable of it.

Sithara Krishnakumar understood what this song required and delivered it without excess — the restraint itself becomes the emotion. Hearing Pularippoo without thinking of Biju Menon, Alencier, Sudhi Koppa, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Saiju Kurup, Bhagath Manuel, Samvrutha Sunil, Sreelekshmi, Sruthy Jayan is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Pularippoo.

By the end of 2019, Pularippoo had moved well beyond its original audience and into everyday playlists. 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.

The concision of Pularippoo — just 4:58 — 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.