Top Indian Songs of the week 17th August 2025

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Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending    17th August 2025

1. Honey Words

Written and performed by Perfect Strangers 

Producer: Raag Sethi 

Lyricist: Ananya Raja

Language: English

Genre: Jazz

Mood: Groovy

Perfect Strangers, they are called, but quite the opposite when it comes to making absorbing music. This is the brand of music that is rich, evocative and mesmerising. The lyrics are penned by the band's lead singer, Ananya Raja, and Raag Sethi handles the music production. Do I need to say more? The intrigue is just building with every release of this act and I cannot wait to see them perform live. The stylish intro, featuring bass, guitars, and drums, takes you back to the 1970s. Pranay Gulvady plays the Sax solo to create a buzz right at the start. 

Joshua is the keyboardist, Debjeet on guitars, Pranav on vocals and the energy oozing from Preran's drums. It is an instrumental joyride initially, and Ananya then pulverises with her singing. She exhibits amazing control, chutzpah, variety and style in her delivery, and one knows she is a born performer. The way she twists and improvises on the last word in "don't u worry now, he was gentle, he only stabbed me in my heart". The chorus segment is my favourite as she sings and torments us with her unbelievable vocal prowess, going " you might call me crazy, but I'm drowning in his Honey Words" 

The chord progression here is fresh and inspiring, around the chorus segment, and when we hear the Sax and harmonies, we know that it has Raag. Wow, the improvisation on the word "comprehend" by Ananya, and these are moments that can lift a song multifold. The keyboard solo in the interlude is where you feel such extravagant style, and the song is just a perfect example of the quality in the indie space here. The outro on drums is still reverberating in my ears. The tracks are mixed by Protyay and mastered by Raag. 

@pranavdm @cosmic_roach @ananyarajaa @preran.pramod @debjeetguitar @joe_keys_jazz @perfectstrangersindia @virtualtapesproduction @raagsethi 

2. Aagasa Veeran 

Composed, Arranged, Programmed by Santhosh Narayanan 

Lyrics: Vivek 

Singers: Pradeep Kumar, Dhee 

Language: Tamil

Genre: Folk-Pop

Mood: Romantic

This was a solid album by, who else but, Santhosh Narayanan, with 3 brilliant songs and some stunning BGM tracks also. Having featured the other two songs already, this is the 3rd song and one that is important to many Ta mil music fans for one reason, the union of Pradeep Kumar and Santhosh Narayanan as the singer-composer duo who we have missed for 8 whole years. Aditya Ravindran's acoustic guitar starts playing the riff, but what dominates the intro and background sonically is Pradeep's Ukulele. This paints all kinds of shades of the colours of love. 

It is not every kind of song that suits Dhee's vocal tone, but Santhosh knows the song type, genre and style that will not only fit perfectly for Dhee, but also ensure the output is elevated multiple levels by this astonishing singer's abilities. I don't know many vocalists who can make every note and every word and every phrase sound like a symphony. Look at her sing " Hey naan sikkum erumba, ullala oru minnal narambaga" and u feel the pain of that ant and that nerve that she is referring to.

I love the interludal humming that first has Dhee and then is backed by Santhosh another time, going "hey hey hey". Once the master Pradeep Kumar starts singing, we are walking in the green paddy fields of Tamil Nadu as this man's ease of singing these aalaps and improvised vocalisation bits a folkish heaven. 

The writing is fantastic as you would expect from Vivek, and with Pradeep's singing, the message of love is beamed across like a laser light, sharp and effective "pakkadha vannathula nee thaane ennathula, thakkadhe theyyal vizhiye". Karthik Manickavasakam accompanies with his electric guitar interventions, adding some style. "Maipoosi inneram azhikkama kannoram, kanakkaga vechene unakkaga thaan", and whenever Dhee sings this line, every living soul who understands the words will go back to their school or college days, where they couldn't take their eyes off their lover. 

Isn't this what music is all about? A Heartfelt melody with perfectly elevating arrangements, lyrics and singing that deliver a message that was intended. The last 90 seconds are about some upbeat rhythms, Pradeep's improvisations and the accompanying guitars and ukulele all coming together. The tracks are recorded, mixed and mastered by Santhosh at Future Tense Studios, Chennai. The music supervisor is Santhosh Kumar, with music management handled by Meenakshi Santhosh and Jabaraj as Studio Assistant. 

@dhee___ @musicsanthosh @pradeep_kuamr1123 @adityaravindran95 @karthikmanickavasakam 

3. Manamo 

Music Composed, Programmed & Arranged by: Sanjay Manickam 

Singers: Chinmayi, Sanjay Manickam 

Lyrics: Snekan 

Language: Tamil

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Romantic 

I came across this new Tamil album called "Jenma Natchathiram" thanks to Midhun Manoj sharing it with me. The album had 3 songs, of which I liked 2, and one of them I am reviewing here because it was stunning. This has to be one of the most stunning songs I have come across in recent months, and it has everything to do with the composition, vocals and most of all the pleasantly exorbitant usage of live instrumental arrangements. The acoustic guitar lines up the intro, but after the humming bits by Chinmayi and Sanjay, the heavy drums that hit and pause beautifully along with the bass, start becoming intriguing. 

Hrday Sunil plays the acoustic, electric guitars and the bass, with Rehan Babu on drums. "Therindhum, bathil mounam thaana" with the raging drums, and it all comes to a spectacular pause of "mounam", meaning silence. Sanjay Manickam has composed the melody, done all the programming and arrangements and performed the lead vocals. As soon as Chinmayi starts singing her lines, we are treated to some fantastic woodwinds and violin interventions by RS Vikram and Bargava Vignesh, respectively. "Manamo thavam, thunaiye varam, idhamai dhinam mazhaithuli uyiril peyyuthe" is a beautiful line also because of Snekan's meaningful words. 

The interlude has the stunning solo violin, played with such impeccable grace and effecacy, and my heart is full and joyous hearing such a great instrumental display and arrangements. Take a bow, Sanjay and Bargava. The melody goes on to become an earful, and Sanjay writes an interesting chranam, "Kathodum katrodum orisai, ennai matym isaikindrathe" is a beautiful example of what I meant. The woodwinds, violins, drums and guitars are present throughout, and the interplay of all these is what makes the song feel elevating. This is also one of the finest songs from Chimayee in 2025, allowing her to express her beautiful tone with utmost justice. 

Varun Chandrasekhar is the musical advisor, with recording engineers Vishnu Shankar, Aswin George John Soundtown Studios, Chennai, Hrday Sunil & Sanjay Manickam at Unison Recording Company, Chennai and Rahul Venkatesan & Hariiharan Suri at RA Records, Chennai. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Midhun Manoj at Soundtown Studios, Chennai. 

@sanjayyy.music @chinmayisripaada @tamanakshaan @b.manivarman @rakshacherin @romeopicturesoffl @amoham_studios @malvimalhotra @kavignarsnekan @hrday_sunil @aswin_george_john @bargavavignesh.v @midhunmanojj @rs.vikram 

4. Uyirae

Song Composed & Arranged by Renjith Unni 

Music Producer: Al Nishad 

Lyrics: Nesan 

Singer: Vaishnav Girish

Language: Tamil

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Pathos

I quite enjoyed this album by Renjith Unni, and after a long time, the album started getting released on the major music streaming apps. I quite liked two songs in the album, one being the song featured here called "Uyirae", and the other called "Mandhira Kannaley". The latter is performed beautifully by Jithin Raj & Neha Venugopal. I have been a fan of Jithin's singing since 'Aadujeevitham', and Neha shines with her sweet-sounding voice. I urge that you all try that song too once you listen to Vaishnav Girish's 'Uyirae'. 

Shyam Adat plays the flute solo in the intro, and the pathos is instantly delivered like a capsule. Vaishnav begins with such great ease and with his tone and delivery the song's message is established very clearly. Renjith Unni's slow ballad, along with Nesan's words, gives us this song which intends to touch a few sad parts of our hearts. The anupallavi is where we get some stylish elements painting their unique strokes, like the acoustic guitar by Sanu Ps, bass by Sumesh Parameswar and the thumping drums. Is there a hint of Raag Charukeshi in this melody? Maybe.

"Idhayam vali thanguma, manadhai pazhi vanguma, poiyye mugam aanal, nesam thaguma" is excellently sung in the high pitch with some nice ghamakas as well. The arrangements reach a new high with some rockish flavours thanks to the electric guitar by Sanu and drums, and this is the most emphatic line of the song "Sernthalum Vaznthalum, vidhigal maruma". The song just keeps giving more like an endless gift basket, and Ranjith Unni is in terrific form writing the charanam and the stunning arrangements. Al Nishad is the man in charge of music production and all this amazing sound will not come to light without his expertise. This line, "paathai theeravillai, padham oyavillai", exemplifies that with the intervention of the flute in the background. 

Sanu titillates us even more with the Mandolin and Bazouki, and the song, even though melancholic, is one I would listen to on loop just to make me feel better. Thank you, Renjith, for this fantastic song. The tracks are mixed by Midhun Manoj and mastered by Harisankar

@renjithunniofficial @midhunmanojj @sanups_ @vaishnavgirish_ @nesan_varigal @naveedhsfareedh @iamnehavenugopal @jithinrajofficial @shaalini_official @varshinivenkatofficial @trendmusicsouth 

5. Aan Baan 

Vocals: Rutuja Lad 

Music Production & Arrangement: Kamlesh Bhadkamkar 

Language: Traditional

Genre: classical-Fusion

Mood: Immersive

This series 'Gaanewali', is loaded with goodness as we get timeless classics repackaged and created with some fine arrangements and production. This song, 'Aan Baan', was first recorded in 1916 by Gauhar Jaan, and it is a form called a classical Dadra, similar to a Thumri but perhaps a lighter vocal form. Rutuja Lad performs on lead vocals, and all the arrangements and production credits go to Kamlesh Bhadkamkar. Sandeep Mishra teases with the Sarangi solo, and Rutuja begins her aalap that takes us into bliss without wasting any time.

I did hear influences of Raag Pilu, but Avanti Patel corrects me and says it is Mishr Pilu. Avanti handles all the creative direction responsibilities for this series 'Gaanewali'. If you are still smeared by the initial pathos of the Sarangi, get over it, and Umashankar Shukla's blissful Sitar will help you with that. The number of variations with just "Aan Baan Jiya Mlagi" and the harkaetin that follow ensures you are in for a sonic treat by Rutuja. Akshay Jadhav plays the Tabla, and later on we hear additional percussion by Shashank Hadkar. 

The light music treatment comes about in the interludes with the Sitar interventions and this takes us back to the good-old Hindi film music of the 1960s. Amogh Dandekar plays the rhythm guitar and constantly adds that flavour of Western and contemporary styles. A little attention allows us to observe these things; otherwise, we are caught in the tranquil web of classical music thanks to Rutuja's playful yet poised performance. "tum ho meherban saiyyan" is a line and segment where the vibrato and variations ease all our worries. We follow the melody and like she sings "tumri karan jaagi", yes Rutuja, we are awakened because of your voice. 

The pacy Tabla and the combined impact of all the instruments feel like the last few flights of stairs to heaven. Reshma Shaikh and Shubhi Rao handle the album art, and the tracks are mixed and mastered by Avdhoot Wadkar, Ajivasan Studios. The whole project is managed by Vedika Singh. 

@avantipatelofficial @me_ghana @rutuvihar @mallikasingh__

@kamleshbhadkamar @ajivasanstudios @akshaymusic @sandeepmishrasarangi @avdootwadkar_offical @nusrat_apoorv @onedigitalentertainment @riddhijobans @pratikparande @vedikaasingh @snehareviews @snehu_panchal @_shubhirao

6. Petals in the Rain ·

Written, performed and produced by Nikhil Narayan

Language: English

Genre: Pop

Mood: Groovy/ Romantic

Here is an artist, Nikhil Narayan, whom I have heard of for the very first time, and it feels like a stunning debut, at least for me. His solo performance in this track is an exhilarating single. He has written the lyrics, composed the tune, performed the vocals and produced the song as well.. There are some fine Jazzy elements in the arrangements, making the listener feel the groove. We get the accompanying keys, bass guitars and drums, and the combined effect of these with the harmonies as he sings " I said I don't need saving", is exciting to hear. 

The singing soars as he uses his wide vocal range as he sings, "You don't have to be so brave all the time, let me carry the weight for a while. Such lines enhance the romanticism of the song. Just when you think Nikhil is on fire, he lights up a conflagration when he sings the chorus segment with his falsettos. The song just hits all the right notes, and yes, just like he sings, " I love it more than words can explain". The alto sax interventions, guitars and mild strings in the background magnify the cherished feeling I get listening to this blinder. 

Nkhil manages to write a song filled with words and moments of emotional gratification, and he keeps the grammar of songwriting on track, too. The bridge section follows the verses, providing some freshness, and he spices it up with that solo on the saxophone. 

7. Taaron Ki Barsaat

Vocals: Prateek Narsimha

Composition: Abhiyan Singh Batra & Project Hamsadhwani

Lyrics: Abhiyan Singh Batra

Produced by Project Hamsadhwani

Language: Hindi

Genre: Pop Fusion

Mood: Immersive

The Harmonies and guitar riffs are the starting point of this delightful and immersive track, and we have Sarasnh Shukla playing the guitars. Prateek Narsimha performs the vocals, and after hearing some of his recent releases, especially the album "Sabr" alongside Anirudh Varma. It is no longer a surprise to me that he is capable of such amazing feats while singing. Abhiyan Singh Batra pens the lyrics, and he co-composes the melody along with Project Hamsadhwani. 

The melody is exquisite as it keeps getting better with notes that make a mark, and the chord progression is like a stream of water that placates the heart, " bijli giri, baarish hui, beintehaan kyun hui". The mild harkatein are symbolic of what Prateek's singing is all about. Did you expect the savvy Sax to come in and torment you right now? ID Rao sizzles as the soloist, and kudos to project Hamsadhwani for the sparkling arrangements and production. 

The song is now in a zone of mesmerism along with an infusion of energy, thanks to Sarthak Pradhan's drums and guitars by Saransh. There is an interlude which has some fantastic harmonies singing "Barkha Barse More" along with the trumpets by Robin and the Saxophone continuing. There is a feeling of levitation here with the high-pitched vocals by Prateek and the phenomenal solo by ID Rao. The melody is brief, but there is enough juice to enjoy and celebrate as a music lover.  

@projecthamsadhwani @narsimhaprateek @abhiyaaaan @idrao_official @trumpetrobin @saranshshukla @_sarthakpradhan @dayone.in 

8. Sirikkiren

Vocals: Kapil Kapilan

Music: Sreejith Edavana

Lyrics: Navin Kannan

Language: Tamil

Genre: Pop

Mood: Pathos

Sreejith Edavana has been making some noteworthy music, and one single that caught my attention and held me in its grip was this one, performed beautifully by Kapil Kapilan, the magician. The guitar riffs are like something out of an English soft rock song. Navin Kannan pens the words and the way the Tabla gets introduced in the anupallavi "Kaanal neeya, Thedal naana" and the mild flute playing in the far off distance is where the song's production feels chiselled. 

The harmonies with the apcy Tabla played by Paachu, and the flute, by Kannan Parameshwaran, set the launchpad, and when you are already in awe, a veena solo, by Manoj, comes on board, and the heart just explodes in joy hearing it. The melody written for the Veena feels like the most intimate hug. Sreejith handles the composition and arrangements, and the production engineer is Vandana Menon. " Oru Munia nee, Oru Mania naan, kathaikkalame, varava naan, athai kathaiyinil, kadhal mozhi sottadho, kottadho, kolladho" as he sings, every cell in our body feels the protagonist's angst, and that is the power of a great voice. The audio engineer is Karthik Rajagopal, and the tracks are mixed and mastered by Sreejith. 

@sreejithedavana_official @navinkannan @kapilkapilanmusic @vyrloriginals @sa_studio_kochi @menonvandana @__itskarthi_

@vyrlsouth @sreejithedavanarecords @aathirarajeevofficial 

9. Love Bite 

Music Composed, Arranged and Produced by Mujeeb Majeed 

Lyrics: Sharfu 

Singers: Anne Amie, Gichu Joy 

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Pop

Mood: Romantic

A lineup like this shouldn't let one down, and rightly so, this trio of Mujeeb Majeed, Anne Amie and Gichu Joy gives us a joyful single. This was, in fact, the best track for me in this Mollywood album "Dheeran". The kids' chorus by Nila Raj, Samanvitha Sharath, Saathvika R Sreekanth and Chinmayi Kiranlal feels like a warm hug in the intro and then the arrangements kind of remind me of the intro of Sai Bhyyankar's "Aasa Kooda". Mujeeb is the composer, and he has also arranged and produced the track, while Gichu handles the programming and other aspects, also sings the lead vocals. Sharfu pens the lyrics.

Anne Amie is one my absolute favourite vocalists in India today for her astonishing range and scintillating tone. When she sings "Love Bite onnu thantha Madhi", you feel like you have been bitten by this haunting vampire of music. Mujeeb raises the stakes in the fantastic interlude with the kids' chorus accompanied by the Ukulele and the keyboard programming. You are drawn closer with Anne's aalaap in the background. Feel the mild presence of the Tabla played by Vikram as we head towards the end of the charanam. Gichu plays the guitar and the Ukulele. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Balu Thankachan at 20dB Black with the session assisted by Paul J Daniel and Sreenivasa Sharma. The recording engineers are Akshay Kakkoth and Mujeeb. 

@mujeeb.majeed @sharfu_amishaff @anneamiev @tsoj_official @lakshmi_the_warrior @cheers_entertainment @thinkmusicofficial @thebaluthankachan @20dbsoundstudios @pauldanieldanny @akshay_kakkoth

10. Sifar 

Written, performed and produced by Mayur Bharadwaj Hazarika 

Language: Hindi

Genre: Rock

Mood: Energetic

The guitars in the intro feel like they are going to rip off, that is how intense the plucking sounds, and we are off to a great start. Mayur Bharadwaj Hazarika has written the melody, lyrics, performed the lead vocals and also produced this with a lot of tang and bite. The rock genre is getting a lift off and in style with the heavy drums, lead guitars and bass.  

The vocals in the verse carry some pain, and that is why we connect with them emotionally. The guitar notes are excellently written, and the interludes elevate an already fine track. As we get further into the song, the singing becomes intense and passionate, as any rock vocals should. The electric guitar solo in the interlude after the 3rd minute is beliigerent and enlivens you. The acoustic guitar is recorded at Auditek Studio, and vocals are recorded at Lucid Recess Studio. 

@mayurhazarika