Mammootty’s latest release, ‘Kalamkaval’, has opened to strong responses in theatres, with many praising the actor’s commanding performance. But beyond the applause, one element has taken over the internet: the song ‘Nilaa Kaayum’ composed by Mujeeb Majeed.

In recent years, Malayalam cinema has frequently leaned on Tamil tracks, especially classics by Ilaiyaraaja. Films like ‘Manjummel Boys’ and ‘Lokah’ used his songs, with the makers of ‘Manjummel Boys’ even receiving a legal notice that eventually ended in a compensation of 60 lakh rupees to the composer. Against this backdrop, ‘Nilaa Kaayum’ has sparked a wave of memes and chatter online. Many feel the track sounds so uncannily like an Ilaiyaraaja composition from the 80s that the composer himself might have expected to sue the makers, only to discover the song isn’t his.

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‘Nilaa Kaayum’ has already developed a cult following and is being celebrated for its nostalgic Tamil retro vibe.

‘Kalamkaval’, directed by Jithin K Jose and starring Mammootty and Vinayakan, follows two police officers investigating a series of murders. The script has been co-written by Jishnu Sreekumar and Jithin K Jose.

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