Sushin Shyam (born 13 February 1992) is an Indian music composer, instrumentalist, and singer primarily associated with Malayalam cinema. He is also a founding member of the folk metal band The Down Troddence.^[1] He is known for his contributions to the films Varathan (2018), Kumbalangi Nights (2019), Minnal Murali (2021), Bheeshma Parvam (2022), Romancham (2023), Kannur Squad (2023) and Manjummel Boys (2024). His work on Kumbalangi Nights earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director in 2019.^[2][3][4]

Early life

Sushin Shyam received his early education at St.Joseph's Higher Secondary School, Thalassery, and Mambaram Higher Secondary School in Thalassery. Under his father's guidance, a musician himself, Sushin learned to play the keyboard from an early age, even performing on stage at the tender age of 3.^[5] Throughout his schooling years, he was an active participant in youth festivals, winning numerous state awards.^{[citation needed]} Initially enrolling in an engineering course at Sri Sidhartha Institute of Technology, Sushin later opted out to follow his passion for music.^{[citation needed]} He relocated to Chennai in pursuit of new prospects within the music industry.^[6] He honed his skills during a two-year stint working with Music Director Deepak Dev.^[7]

Breakthrough as composer

Sushin Shyam commenced his film career at the young age of 19, with Deepak Dev serving as his mentor. Over a span of four years, he assisted Deepak Dev in programming background scores for more than forty-five Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu movies.^{[citation needed]} His composition skills were showcased in the 2012 short film Oru kutti chodyam, directed by Ganesh Raj. The following year, Music Director Rex Vijayan enlisted Sushin's talent for programming the background score for Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi. Sushin also lent his voice to a song, "Thaazhvaram" for the film.^[8]

Sushin's encounter with Rex proved to be a major turning point in his career. Encouraged by Rex, Sushin composed the background score for his next film, Sapthamashree Thaskaraha, in 2014, marking his first solo venture as a composer. In addition, he also sang the track "Kayi Ethum Doorathonde" for the film. Sushin's subsequent projects included composing the background score for Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi in 2015 and for Kismath in 2016. He also created a song, "Kissa Pathiyil," for the latter film, both of which were well received by audiences.^{[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]}

Acting roles

Sushin has appeared in short or guest roles in movies including Grandmaster, Thattathin Marayathu,^[16] Da Thadiya,^[17] Honey Bee, Guppy and Mayaanadhi.

Discography

As music composer

As playback singer

• Sources: malayalachalachithram.com^[26]

Awards