Tharikam by Murali Adattu

There is an honesty to Tharikam that separates it from most Malayalam songs released around the same time. Credit goes to Paulson Thannikkal for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

Murali Adattu inhabits this song completely, making every phrase feel like it was written specifically for this voice. a talented ensemble cast gave the film its soul, and Tharikam is the song that most directly channels that feeling into music.

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

The concision of Tharikam — just 2:19 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. Tharikam has earned its place in the catalogue of Malayalam music that genuinely matters. The listeners who found it early already knew.