Sushin Shyam
Indian music composer, singer, instrumentalist and producer
Sushin Shyam has emerged as one of the defining musical voices of contemporary Malayalam cinema. Known for combining electronic sounds, rock, folk influences and atmospheric compositions, he has developed a distinctive musical language that has become closely associated with some of Malayalam cinema’s most acclaimed films. From Kumbalangi Nights and Varathan to Manjummel Boys and Aavesham, his work has helped give modern Malayalam films a fresh and recognisable sound.
Key Facts
Full Name: Sushin Shyam
Date of Birth: 13 February 1992
Birthplace: Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, India
Profession: Music Composer, Singer, Instrumentalist, Producer
Instruments: Keyboard, Guitar
Active Since: 2012
Musical Group: The Down Troddence
Kerala State Film Award: Best Music Director for Kumbalangi Nights and Bougainvillea
Early Musical Influences
Born in Thalassery, Sushin Shyam developed an interest in music at a young age. His father, a guitarist, encouraged him to learn the keyboard, giving him an early introduction to instruments and musical performance.
During his school and college years, Sushin became increasingly interested in contemporary music. He performed at school programmes, played with college bands and explored different genres rather than limiting himself to conventional film music.
His musical journey also took him into the world of rock and metal. He became a founding member and keyboardist of The Down Troddence, a folk-metal band from Kerala. The experience exposed him to a much broader sonic vocabulary and would later influence the way he approached film composition.
Learning the Craft Behind the Studio
Sushin’s entry into film music was not an overnight success. He initially worked behind the scenes, joining composer Deepak Dev’s studio as a programmer and gaining practical experience in arranging and producing music.
This period gave him an understanding of how music is constructed for cinema. Rather than simply creating standalone songs, he learned how sound, atmosphere and emotion could work alongside images and storytelling.
His first credited singing opportunity came in 2013, when he performed “Thaazhvaram” for Rex Vijayan’s soundtrack for Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi. From there, he gradually moved towards composing and producing his own film music.
Finding His Own Sound
Sushin began composing for films including Villain and Maradona, but it was Varathan that significantly raised his profile as a composer.
His music demonstrated an ability to move comfortably between melody and experimentation. Electronic textures, atmospheric arrangements and unconventional sounds became important elements of his style.
Rather than treating background music as something that simply filled silence between scenes, Sushin increasingly approached it as an important part of a film’s emotional world.
The Breakthrough with Kumbalangi Nights
The major turning point came with Kumbalangi Nights in 2019.
The film’s music became an important part of its identity, with songs such as “Cherathukal” complementing the film’s intimate atmosphere. Sushin’s work earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director.
The success of Kumbalangi Nights established him as one of the most exciting young composers in Malayalam cinema. It also demonstrated that experimental production techniques could work alongside deeply rooted Malayalam melodies.
Building a New Musical Language
Following Kumbalangi Nights, Sushin continued to explore different sounds across a wide range of films.
His credits include Varathan, Minnal Murali, Bheeshma Parvam, Romancham, Kannur Squad, Manjummel Boys and Aavesham. Each project allowed him to approach music differently rather than relying on a single formula.
His work on Minnal Murali showed his ability to build music for a larger-than-life world, while Romancham and Aavesham demonstrated his comfort with more energetic combinations of electronic, rock and other contemporary influences.
The Sound of Manjummel Boys and Aavesham
The year 2024 became another significant period in Sushin’s career.
Manjummel Boys featured his atmospheric musical approach, while Aavesham allowed him to explore a much more energetic soundscape. The latter incorporated elements of hip-hop, electronic music, rock and metal.
His music for Manjummel Boys also received international recognition, with the score winning the Golden Reel at the KinoBravo International Film Festival of Mainstream Films.
The popularity of these films further established Sushin as a composer capable of creating music that works not only within individual scenes but also becomes part of a film’s wider cultural identity.
Recognition and Awards
Sushin’s work has earned recognition from several major film-award platforms.
He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director for Kumbalangi Nights and later received the same honour for Bougainvillea. He has also won SIIMA recognition for his music, while his work on Aavesham received the Filmfare Award for Best Music Album in 2025.
His growing recognition reflects the changing nature of Malayalam film music, where composers are increasingly expected to move beyond conventional song structures and create complete sonic worlds around films.
Beyond Conventional Film Music
Sushin has also continued to explore music outside traditional film projects.
In 2025, he made his independent music debut with Ray, taking on the roles of composer and singer. The move offered him another space to experiment without being restricted by the narrative requirements of a feature film.
This progression reflects a broader characteristic of his career: he has rarely stayed within a single musical category. His background in rock and metal, experience in film programming and interest in electronic and contemporary sounds have all contributed to his evolving style.
A New Generation of Malayalam Music
Sushin Shyam belongs to a generation of Malayalam musicians who have grown up with access to global sounds while remaining connected to the musical traditions around them.
His strength lies in bringing these influences together without making the music feel disconnected from the film. A guitar riff, electronic texture, atmospheric score or simple melody can each become part of the storytelling when used at the right moment.
That ability has made Sushin one of the most recognisable contemporary composers in Malayalam cinema.
His journey from a young keyboard player in Thalassery and a member of a folk-metal band to an award-winning film composer reflects the changing landscape of Indian film music. Rather than following a predetermined formula, he has built his career around experimentation, collaboration and a willingness to keep evolving.
For Malayalam cinema, Sushin Shyam represents a generation of musicians pushing the boundaries of what a film soundtrack can sound like.
