Vaar Nilavum Karmukilum by Sandhya Raghav, Fahadh C H

Vaar Nilavum Karmukilum works because it does not try to do too much — it finds one feeling and holds it perfectly. Sandhya Raghav, Fahadh C H sets the tone from the very first bar — it is clear from the opening notes that this song means business.

The performance by Sandhya Raghav, Fahadh C H is the centrepiece here — controlled where it needs to be, open where it counts. Hearing Vaar Nilavum Karmukilum without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Vaar Nilavum Karmukilum.

2020 was a strong year for Malayalam music, and Vaar Nilavum Karmukilum was among the reasons why. It fits the playlist for almost any occasion, which is rare — most songs have a narrow emotional window. This one does not.

At 4:18, the track does not overstay its welcome — it says what it needs to say and leaves the listener wanting more. The track stands as evidence that Sandhya Raghav, Fahadh C H and Sandhya Raghav, Fahadh C H, working together, are capable of something well above the ordinary.