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The following are the list of a few Malayalam music videos that I got addicted to in the past few years. They have predominantly featured in Music Mojo Program by Kappa TV (An amazing program that shows versatility from Carnatic to Rock Music). The past several years, especially, from the very start of this decade has seen new talent getting pumped into Malayalam Music. That has revamped and rejuvenated the entire scenario. Youngsters have been coming with new and fresh music with a lot of variety. It has only benefitted the fan base of Malayalam Music. Let me list out my favorites. This list is purely indicative and not at all exhaustive.

  1. Aalayal Thara Venum – Masala Coffee

Based on the original old song penned by Sri Kavalam Narayana Panicker, Masala Coffee Band has done an awesome job of creating an amazing music video. Once I stumbled upon this song, I was pulled into the magic world of Malayalam music just like Alice was pulled into wonderland. The magical voice of Sooraj Santosh along with Varun Sunil will get a hold of you at once. I will even make a special mention of Varun Sunil’s change of voice modulation in the middle. This song reminded me of the “Manadhil Urudhi Vendum” song by Mahakavi Bharathiyar. The actors with their enigmatic presence and amazing expressions render an amazing music video. This is simply a rich culture that meets modern age.

  1. Kuttanadan Punjayile – Vidya Vox

If “Aalayal Thara Venum” is a sitting a ledge between past and present, this lays down a monumental bridge forever seals the gap. The very famous Boat song of Kerala meets Western Music in a mesmerizing voice and video by Vidya Vox. One of the early Vloggers, she is loved by our diaspora and has evolved to be a cultural ambassador through her videos. You mustn’t miss a ride in this heavenly boat from God’s own country.

  1. Pallivalu Bhadravattakam – Gomtesh Upadhye

Based on the Malayalam folklore of Goddess Kali fighting evil, this is a wonderful video as a tribute to women. If Vidya took you on a boat ride, this song takes you on a bike ride with the woman whose tale is being told.  You will travel with her to the exotic locations she is riding and by the end of the video, you will simply feel why doesn’t this video take you for a longer ride.

  1. Benki Benki- Dinchik Nation and Sayanora Philip

If you want a song that would take you to your childhood, here is the one for you. Be warned. You will sing “Benki Benki Benki Boom Boom” at all places and people may weirdly glance at you. Every time I hear this song, I crave for Kudukachi and Thalassery Biriyani and my mouth waters automatically. If that was the intention of Sayanora Philip, she has done it with flair.

  1. Puttu Paatu – Thakara

Who would have thought that Puttu could give tough competition to Biriyani? The whole song is about if you have Puttu and Puttu Powder, you don’t need the riches of the world. The theme of the song requires a rendition with such a kind of conviction. James Thakara in his scintillating voice sings it which such devotion to Puttu that for a moment there, you will feel his entire life depends on it.

  1. Rasayayayo- Storyteller (Bhadra Rajin)

I am still trying to decipher what I heard and still awestruck on how she has sung it. If you want to listen to a Malayalam song for its voice modulation and high pitch notes, this is the song for you. This storyteller swept me with the voice and energy to the level that, I kept humming it the days together. Be dedicated to her humming in the middle verses.

  1. Sithara’s Project Malabaricus

If you want a song to play it in your car in a long drive on a drizzling day, I got this one for you. Classical Malayalam lyric is adorned in a high-quality rhythm of drums and is anointed in the supreme throne of art by the diction and the voice of Sithara. I can only compare this to the “Sandham” form of poetry specialized by Arunagirinathar in Thirupugal. Breezy is the only adjective that comes to my mind when I think of this song.

  1. Kaantha by Masala Coffee as a special mention

This song may get furious on me if I don’t mention it here. Kaantha, Pooram, and Sooraj Santhosh-Varun Sunil duos rendition…. Who was that asking for a perfect recipe for happiness? That Esraj composition in the middle of the song by Arshad Khan and the energy by Sooraj will take you to a different world. The use of non-conventional instruments like Esraj and Darbuka gives a very different feel to the song. Close your eyes and feel like Kaantha. I am pretty sure that this piece will handhold you and take you to the Thrissur Pooram.