Unlike the typical Malayalam film soundtrack filled with romantic duets, Pulimurugan had a unique brief: most of its music needed to amplify the protagonist’s primal energy. The result was a compact, powerful album of just four songs, each serving a distinct narrative purpose.

The Pulimurugan soundtrack was an anomaly. In an era of digital synth-pop, Gopi Sundar bet on raw, earthy percussion and folk vocals. The songs didn’t just support the film; they became cultural touchstones. “Mada Mada” crossed 100 million views on YouTube. The Tiger’s Theme was remixed for live stage shows. Even today, at temple festivals or football matches, you’ll hear someone whistle the theme and see a crowd instinctively roar back.

When director Vysakh and actor Mohanlal teamed up for Pulimurugan , they weren’t just making a film about a man who hunts man-eating tigers with his bare hands. They were crafting a visceral, rustic action epic set deep in the forests of Kerala. For that, the visuals alone wouldn’t suffice. The film needed a sonic identity—raw, folk-rooted, and electrifying. That task fell to composer Gopi Sundar and lyricist Rafeeq Ahamed.