It feels like a bridge between eras, where the golden melodies of RD Burman and M.S. Viswanathan find new breath in a modern heartbeat. That’s the spell cast by “Panimalare”, the first single from the eagerly awaited Dulquer Salmaan-Samuthirakani starrer “Kaantha”, written and directed by Selvamani Selvaraj.
Composer Jhanu Chanthar crafts a melody that feels both familiar and new, a warm nod to vintage soundscapes, yet tuned for today’s ears. Lyricist Kutty Revathi, known for unforgettable works like “Enga Pona Raasa” (Maryaan), pens verses that flow with quiet beauty, enriching the song’s emotional depth. The additional lyrics by Sivam and Deepika Karthik Kumar add more elegance to the song.
The track finds its soul in Pradeep Kumar’s expressive, resonant vocals, perfectly balanced by Priyanka NK’s gentle, graceful delivery. Together, they enhance the on-screen pairing of Dulquer Salmaan and Bhagyashri Borse., whose period-inspired looks add to the song’s charm.
Musically, the arrangement is a delicate interplay, cello and violin interludes carry a touch of romance, subtle percussions keep the pulse alive, and the electric and bass guitars lend a heartbeat-like rhythm, amplifying the song’s tenderness.
Kaantha, written and directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, and is produced by Rana Daggubati, Dulquer Salmaan, Prashanth Potluri, & Jom Varghese of Spirit Media, Wayfarer Films. The film is set for the worldwide theatrical release on September 12, 2025.
Technical Crew:
DOP – Dani Sanchez Lopez
Editor – Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalvez
Art Director – Ramalingam
Music – Jhanu Chanthar
Executive Producer – SaiKrishna Gadwal, Sujai James
Line Producer – Sravan Palaparthi
Additional Dialogues & Story Consultant – Thamizh Prabha
Additional screenplay – Thamizh Prabha & Sri Harsha Rameshwaram
Script Supervisor – Sri Harsha Rameshwaram
Costumes – Poojita Tadikonda, Archana Rao, Harmann Kaur
DI colourist – Glen Denis Castinho
Sound Design – Allwin Rego
VFX – Deccan Dreams
PRO – Suresh Chandra- Abdul A Nassar