8 Gen-z Malayalam Music Directors Who Captivated Us In 2023

Sushin Shyam embarked on his journey in the industry at the age of 19, stepping into the realm of background score composition with Sapthamashree Thaskaraha, directed by Anil Radhakrishnan Menon. This marked his debut, later collaborating with Menon for "Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi. His musical prowess further unfolded through projects like the Shane Nigam-starrer Kismath, Prithviraj's Ezra, and Mammootty's powerful portrayal in The Great Father.

His compositions swiftly captured attention, soaring to the top of music charts. Beyond these milestones, he also contributed to numerous short films and diverse language feature films. Not confined to composing, Sushin showcased his vocal talent in several hit tracks, notably in the immensely popular 'Thaazhvaram' song from the movie  Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi. Not solely limited to composing and singing, Sushin ventured into acting with brief roles in movies like Thattathin Marayathu, Da Thadiya, and Honey Bee.

He made his entry into the industry with the film  Ee Pattanathil Bhootham, and since then, he has been a prominent figure in the world of music composition. His popularity soared with the songs he composed for the movie Malarvadi Arts Club. Some of his notable works include the music for movies like Thattathin Marayathu, Ohm Shanthi Oshaana, Jacobinte Swargarajyam, and  Oru Adaar Love. His compositions often blend contemporary tunes with an essence of classical elements, contributing to the unique charm of his soundtracks.

Jakes Bejoy is one of the most sought-after musicians in M-Town.  His ability to create captivating and diverse musical compositions has made him a favorite among filmmakers and audiences alike. His knack for producing melodies that seamlessly blend with the narratives of the movies has consistently drawn attention to his work, making him a prominent figure in the industry. With each successive film, Jakes has honed his craft, skillfully captivating audiences and keeping them on the edge of their seats. Over time, this ability has refined, starting with his debut crime thriller Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru to Ayyappanum Koshiyum  and his recent runaway success,King of Kotha. This evolution showcases his growing expertise in delivering enthralling musical experiences that elevate the cinematic narratives to new heights.

Hesham Abdul Wahab sparked widespread attention with the release of his initial single, 'Na Roja Nuvve,' earlier this year. His venture into the Telugu film industry with  Kushi marked an impressive debut, showcasing his immense talent. In 2015, Hesham launched his first album, Qadam Badha, simultaneously stepping into the realm of music direction with the movie Salt Mango Tree. His musical journey continued with compositions for films like Cappuccino, Ole Kanda Naal, and Madhuram.

The track 'Darshana' from the movie Hridayam became a chartbuster in Malayalam cinema, solidifying his position as a noteworthy composer. Recently, he contributed an original song to Nani's film, Hi Nanna, further establishing his presence in the industry.

Undoubtedly, his compositions possess a distinct and captivating tone, seamlessly merging different musical styles to craft unforgettable soundscapes that deeply connect with viewers. His talent for evoking emotions through music and skill in elevating the storytelling within films have garnered him praise from critics and a dedicated following among fans. His latest composition 'Neela Nilave' from RDX, emerged as one of the most-viewed Malayalam songs in 2023. Composed by Sam C S, the song has lyrics penned by Manu Manjith, while Kapil Kapilan has lent his voice to the romantic track featuring the talent of Shane Nigam and Mahima Nambiar.

Prior to his debut as a music composer, Justin Varghese, a trained sound engineer, collaborated with composer Bijibal as a programmer, gaining valuable experience in the industry. Justin made his debut as a music director with the Malayalam film 'Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela'. His compositions in this film, especially the song "Enthaavo," were widely appreciated and marked his entry into the industry.

Nobin Paul is one of favouities composers in Malayalam cinema. He is celebrated for his diverse compositions and arrangements. His versatile musical style, blending various genres, innovatively enhances storytelling in films. Nobin, who started his music career playing jingles and assisting various music directors, made his film debut in 2016 Kannada release Rama Rama Re. He has also worked in Ondalla Eradalla, Churi Katte, Devaki, and Katha Sangama. He later debuted in Malayalam cinema with the film titled '2018'. His compositions in the movie are known for their realistic and authentic portrayal.

His compositions serve as a testament to his musical mastery, demonstrating an impressive capacity to craft emotive and diverse melodies that seamlessly intertwine with the essence of the films they accompany. These songs stand as shining examples of Menon's ability to create musical narratives that beautifully complement the stories they inhabit.