Thedal by Sachin Warrier, Mamta Mohandas

The Thedal album has several strong tracks, but Thedal is the one most listeners come back to first. Behind the melody is the work of Sachin Warrier, whose composition choices give Thedal its distinctive texture.

Sachin Warrier, Mamta Mohandas inhabits this song completely, making every phrase feel like it was written specifically for this voice. For fans of a talented ensemble cast, Thedal is one of those songs that immediately conjures specific scenes and emotions.

2020 was a strong year for Malayalam music, and Thedal was among the reasons why. It is the kind of track that works at full volume with friends and equally well in a quiet room alone — the mood adjusts without the song changing.

The concision of Thedal — just 4:32 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. For anyone yet to hear Thedal, the experience ahead is a good one. For those returning, it will be as good as they remember.