Listen: Sai Kartheek's "Swathilo Muthyamantha" (Telugu)

Composer duo Raj-Koti's Swathilo Muthyamantha, from the 1993 Telugu film Bangaru Bullodu, is one of those lilting duets that's engineered for endless repeat listens. By turns rhythmic and effervescent, the song layers classical strains against fantastic vocal harmonies from S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and K. S. Chithra, building into an instantly catchy melody that would go on to form the bedrock for a number of their later compositions such as Chandamama (Donga Alludu), Priya Raagale (Hello Brother), and Bangaru Bomma (Gillikajjalu). Now almost 28 years after its release, the song gets a fresh treatment from Sai Kartheek, who, to his credit, spiffs it up with stylish and glitzy sounds, while retaining its core intact, even as singers Revanth and Nadapriya bring their own flavour to the table. Have it a go below -