‘Ashakal Aayiram’ makers revives ‘Pathinalam Ravinte’ song, netizens say MG Sreekumar remains unbeatable

Kalidas and Jayaram starrer ‘Ashakal Aayiram’ hit the big screens last week, has stirred nostalgia. The makers of the film also revived the evergreen track ‘Pathinalam Ravinte’. Originally sung by MG Sreekumar for the 2001 Jayaram-starrer Sharjah to Sharjah, the song continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Malayalis.While the netizens welcomed the decision to bring back the chartbuster, the reimagined version, now voiced by Vineeth Sreenivasan, has sparked debate on social media. Though Vineeth Sreenivasan is a beloved singer, netizens insist that no one can quite match MG Sreekumar’s original magic.“MG is MG,” one netizen commented on YouTube, when the makers dropped the promo song. “Sorry, but MG Sreekumar still owns it,” wrote another. The comments section of the song is filled with immense support and love for MG Sreekumar, with many praising his unmatchable talent in crooning fast numbers and trendy tunes. Check out the new song here.Helmed by G Prajith, ‘Ashakal Aayiram’ brings back the real-life father-son duo Jayaram, and Kalidas together on the big screen. The film revolves around a father and son’s strained relationship. Actors Asha Sharath, Ishani Krishna, and Sharafudheen are seen in some pivotal roles. TOI has ranked the film 3 out of 5, and the review reads, “Directed by G Prajith, the film relies strongly on a sense of 'throwback' charm. It tries to recreate the light-hearted family atmosphere seen in Jayaram’s popular films. Written by Jude Anthany Joseph and Aravind Rajendran, the screenplay follows a familiar pattern of middle-class problems and situational humour. The film works mainly because it allows Jayaram (Hariharan) to play to his strengths and evoke nostalgia. For example, the widely trolled BGM and Jayaram’s famous expression as Major Sreekumar are used wisely here, bringing the theatre down with laughter. However, it does not offer much that feels new or surprising.”‘Ashakal Aayiram’ has opened to packed theatres, and even a week after its release, footfall remains steady.