Jay Stellar strikes again with 'Anjanamani', building on viral success of ‘Pacha Parishkari’

The song Pacha Parishkari, sung by Thirumali and composed by Jay Stellar, became a household song soon after its release in 2024. The track not only went viral but also paved the way for Jay’s entry into films, with projects like ‘Vaazha’, which was among the biggest hits in 2024.

His first film composition, ‘Swaha’ from Vaazha, carries a distinct rebel streak, softened by style and restraint. This balance—mixing edge with elegance—is what sets Jay’s music apart. That quality is also evident in ‘Innocent’, featuring Althaf Salim, where he worked with playback singers such as Jassie Gift, Kili Paul, Sithara, and Vaikom Vijayalakshmi.
One of the most striking moments from ‘Innocent’ was how Jay brought Tanzanian influencer Kili Paul into a space that blended tradition with fun.

The result was ‘Summava,’ a track that stood out for its cultural mix and playful energy. Another highlight was Anjanamani, sung by Vaikom Vijayalakshmi. Malayali audiences instantly fell in love with the song, and it soon became viral on reels. Jay reimagined a divine song sung while drawing kalams (floor drawings) and gave it a modern twist while retaining its spiritual essence.

“The initial plan was to have Vaikom Vijayalakshmi sing just a portion of the song in the opening scene,” Jay said. “Later, I felt it would work better as a complete track and suggested it to the director. It was overwhelming to see how the song went viral after the film’s release.” Interestingly, Anjamani wasn’t released before the film. “The idea was to introduce it towards the end of the movie, and I’m glad it got picked up organically,” he added.

Asked whether he can sense when a song might become a hit, Jay is honest. “Most songs you think will work usually don’t,” he says. “It all depends on how the audience receives it and how well it’s marketed. You may get a small inkling, but that’s never a guarantee. I actually expected other songs from Innocent to do well, but it was Anjanamani that connected the most.”

While Pacha Parishkari gave him a professional high, Anjanamani struck a deeper chord. “The acceptance felt spiritual,” Jay said. “It’s a divine song—traditionally sung during temple rituals, especially while drawing kalams (floor drawings). It’s also taught to students for youth festivals. There’s even an instructor who specialises in teaching this song, and we brought him on board. We also had children sing portions of the track. That’s when I thought of bringing Vaikom chechi into the picture.”

Jay recalled his experience working with Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, calling it ‘purely magical.’ “I’ve worked with several artists, but with chechi, there was something special. Her voice elevated the song instantly. She wrapped up the recording in just 15 minutes—that’s the magic of working with her,” he said. He also added that he’s happy to be part of her comeback after her last viral hit Angu Vaanu Konile. “She has a hit almost every year, and I’m glad she was part of my song in 2025.”
Innocent, starring Althaf Salim and Anarkali Marikar, is currently streaming on Saina Play.

Speaking about his frequent collaborations with lyricist Vinayak Sasikumar, Jay feels his talent is often understated. “People tend to undermine him. To me, he’s extremely flexible and can write across genres, though he is mostly associated with rap songs. His biggest strength is how solid and consistent his work is,” he said.
On the competition composers face today, Jay admited it isn’t easy. “When nearly 500 songs from films release in a year, it’s hard to stand out—especially if you’re not working with big stars. Recognition becomes a challenge. That said, I try not to get stereotyped, because once that happens, people start boxing you in.”

This year, Jay’s focus is on balancing independent music and films. “I have an album coming up with Thirumali in February. It won’t be easy, but I’m hoping to manage both spaces thoughtfully,” he said.