Another classical song in our list, Shreya Ghoshal finds no issues in taking the composition to its glory. It is Vinu Thomas this year who gives us an enchanting Reetigowla in ‘Kumkumanira Sooryan’. Vinu Thomas – Kumkumanira Sooryan (from the film Neeyum Njanum) A slow-burning ballad with minimalistic orchestral drifts, the song is very unlike the usual Gopi Sunder compositions. Sung ably by Vijay Yesudas, it is reminiscent of his similar stint in the cult hit ‘Hemanthamen’ from Kohinoor (2015). The second song by Gopi Sunder on our list has a very 80s touch to it. Gopi Sunder – Hey Madhuchandrike (from the film Argentina Fans Kaattoorkadavu) The uncredited female aalaap in the interlude is charming, as are the Indian-classical instruments in the orchestration.
Harisankar is quickly becoming the go-to singer for this genre - ‘Then Panimathiye’ is right up his sleeves. The better song from Rahul Raj this year so far is a lovely semi-classical composition from Kodathi Samaksham Balan Vakkeel. Rahul Raj – Then Panimathiye (from the film Kodathi Samaksham Balan Vakkeel) SPB & Lata Mangeshkar) what follows is haunting at times, and brooding even, but the melody just works beautifully throughout. The song begins with a string section that is unmistakably a nod to Ilaiyaraaja’s famous ‘Valaiyosai’ (ft. Gopi Sunder’s work in Uyare is sensitive and delicate, as ‘Nee Mukhilo’ stands to attest. Gopi Sunder – Nee Mukhilo (from the film Uyare) Sithara Krishnakumar handles the vocals with the earnestness of the song’s theme. The song is set to a lullaby feel – aptly so, the context here is teacher showing love and care for a disabled student. Oru Nakshatramulla Aakasham is a well-made three-song soundtrack, with Rahul Raj’s ‘Mizhiyil Paathi’ standing out. Rahul Raj – Mizhiyil Paathi (from the film Oru Nakshatramulla Aakasham) That they missed our list this time only speaks to the quality of songs in general.Ī hat-tip to standout favourites from this year that barely missed our list: Sachin Warrier’s ‘Pularum Vare’ (from Shibu), Jakes Bejoy’s ‘Parayuvaan’ (from Ishq), Arunvijay’s ‘Shalabhamayi’ (from Praana), Emil Mohammad’s ‘Manasukkulla’ (from Mera Naam Shaji) and Prince George’s ‘Endhanee Mounam’ (from Vijay Superum Pournamiyum).Ĭounting down to the best: 15. Prince George made a good composing debut in Vijay Superum Pournamiyum and Achu Rajamani made his Malayalam debut with a fairly good Kuttymama. Sushin Shyam continues to dominate this year (sorry, spoiler!). Our list features songs from the usual suspects Rahul Raj, Gopi Sundar and Sushin Shyam, as well as some new promising entrants this year Ifthi, PS Jayhari and Leela Girish Kuttan. We bring to you our half-yearly selection for the second consecutive time.
It has set a high bar in quality this year so far as it did the last year, and the year before, and so on. Malayalam film music continues to hold its flag high, leading the film music output in the country by example.