Swami Shabarisha by Santhosh Keshav

There is an honesty to Swami Shabarisha that separates it from most Malayalam songs released around the same time. O.V.Sebastiyan's arrangement gives the track a layered quality that rewards repeated listening.

Santhosh Keshav brings a warmth to Swami Shabarisha that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. a talented ensemble cast are at the heart of Swami Shabarisha, and Swami Shabarisha captures their dynamic at its most compelling.

2020 was a strong year for Malayalam music, and Swami Shabarisha was among the reasons why. Some music is background. Swami Shabarisha demands attention — not aggressively, but in the way a good conversation does.

At 6:13, the track does not overstay its welcome — it says what it needs to say and leaves the listener wanting more. Songs like Swami Shabarisha are the reason people fall in love with Malayalam music and never quite fall out of it.