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Shyam

Composer · Born March 19, 1937 (89) · Mylapore, Chennai, India

Samuel Joseph (born 1937), better known as Shyam, is a music composer who works in Malayalam cinema. From the mid-1970s to the late 1980s, Shyam had a prolific run as a composer in the Malayalam film industry, composing for nearly 200 films. Working with all major directors of the time, Shyam had scored many hits of Jayan and the early films of Mammootty and Mohanlal. He has won the Kerala State Film Awards for Best Music Director twice. Shyam apprenticed under maestros M. S. Viswanathan and Salil Chowdhury, the former renaming him 'Shyam'. He has been an assistant for various music directors including Salil Chowdhury, Rajan Nagendra, Satyam, S. Rajeswara Rao, Pendyala Nageswara Rao, AM Raja, TG Lingappa etc for several years before venturing as an independent music director. He has also worked as a lead violinist with famous composers like C. Ramachandra, V Dakshinamoorthi, Naushad, Madan Mohan, G. Devarajan, Bombay Ravi, RD Burman etc. Along with his training in western violin he is also trained in carnatic classical violin under the baton of legendary classical violinist Lalgudi Jayaraman. He debuted as an independent film composer in Malayalam cinema through the 1974 film, Manyasree Viswamithran directed by actor Madhu. All the tracks from the movie including Kettille Kottayathoru became a huge success.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
March 19, 1937 (89)
From
Mylapore, Chennai, India
Works as
Composer
Titles
15 on MovieCove · 146 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 30% in 30 days

What are Shyam's films like?

Across their 10 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Morality.

Genres

Drama4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 45th percentile
: browse their Drama movies
Comedy3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 86th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Comedy movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
44%
Morality
38%
Self
12%
Ideas
6%
Justice4 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love2 titles, browse their movies with this themeLoyalty2 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 10 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 3 · Serious 2 · Dark 5

Grounded: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their grounded movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 10 · Stylized 0 · Heightened 0

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 2 · Charged 4 · Intense 4

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 5 · Shifting 5 · Whiplash 0

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 7 · Some laughs 1 · Funny 2

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

A split, not a type: Slow burn 6 · Even-paced 4 · Relentless 0

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

A split, not a type: Casual 5 · Engaged 4 · Full focus 1

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 7 · Open-ended 2 · Ambiguous 1

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
7
Melancholic
5
Joyful
2
Absurd
2
Dread
2
Other
5

How their films linger

Bittersweet5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteCathartic2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end

  • Happy5
  • Bittersweet3
  • Tragic1
  • Ambiguous1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Shyam's films?

As of October 24, 2026, all 15 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

  • Eros Now15 titles

Subscription and free streaming for Shyam's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted.

Filmography

146 credits, 15 with a MovieCove page.

  • Nerariyan CBI(2005)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Sethurama Iyer CBI (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Composer

  • Chathurangam(2002)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 2nd percentile of all films

  • Anubhoothi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Composer

  • Janathipathyam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Composer

  • Puthiya Aatchi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Composer

  • Palayam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Composer

  • Irrikku M.D. Akathudu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Composer

  • Adayalam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Composer

  • Inspector Balram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Composer

  • Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Composer

  • Arhatha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Composer

  • Midhya (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Composer

  • Kottayam Kunjachan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Composer

  • Akkare Akkare Akkare(1990)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • Jagratha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Composer

  • Kaalal Pada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Composer

  • Carnivel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Composer

  • Adhipan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Composer

  • Naaduvazhikal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Composer

  • Adikkurippu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Composer

  • Aksharathettu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Composer

  • Mukthi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Composer

  • August 1 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Composer

  • Anthima Theerpu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Composer

  • Pattanapravesham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Composer

  • Abkari (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Composer

  • Manu Uncle(1988)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • Nineteen Twenty One(1988)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Daisy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Composer

  • Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Composer

  • Dhinarathrangal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Composer

  • New Delhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Music Director

  • Nalkkavala (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • Aankiliyude Tharattu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • Jaathi Pookkal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • New Delhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • Vrutham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • Irupatham Noottandu(1987)

    Music Director

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • Nadodikkattu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • Adimakal Udamakal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • Rithubhedam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • Ithrayum Kalam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Composer

  • Ennu Nathante Nimmi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Aval Kaathirunnu Avanum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Sayam Sandhya (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Adiverukal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Aavanazhi(1986)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films

  • Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Njan Kathorthirikkum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Nandi Veendum Varika (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Atham Chithira Chothy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Abhayam Thedi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Manasilloru Manimuthu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Revathikkoru Pavakkutty (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Gandhinagar 2nd Street (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Snehamulla Simham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Malarum Kiliyum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku(1986)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Ithile Iniyum Varu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Shyama (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Composer

  • Kandu Kandarinju (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Thinkalazhcha Nalla Divasam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Karimpin Poovinakkare (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Ee Lokam Ivide Kure Manushyar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Nirakkoottu(1985)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • Iniyum Kadha Thudarum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Angadikkappurathu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Azhiyatha Bandhangal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Vasantha Sena (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Oru Nokku Kanan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Archana Aaradhana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Onningu Vannengil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Manya Mahajanangale (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Mutharamkunnu P.O.(1985)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • Oru Sandesam Koodi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Jeevante Jeevan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Ee Sabdam Innathe Sabdam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Anubandham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Santhoshakkanavukal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Ee Thanalil Ithiri Neram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Muhurtham Pathnonnu Muppathinu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Akalathe Ambili (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Composer

  • Itha Innu Muthal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer · Playback Singer

  • Uyarangalil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Sandyakkenthinu Sindhooram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Muthodu Muthu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Kanamarayathu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Aalkkoottathil Thaniye (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Adiyozhukkukal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Koottinilamkili (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Thirakil Alppam Samayam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Aattuvanchi Ulanjappol (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • NH 47 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Nalam Nalamariya Aaval (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Aarorumariyathe (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Chakkarayumma (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Kuzhandhai Yesu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Aksharangal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Veendum Chalikkunna Chakram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Kodathi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Composer

  • Lakshmana Rekha(1984)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Asthram(1983)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Engane Nee Marakkum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Playback Singer

  • Sandhya Mayangum Neram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Composer

  • Naanayam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Composer

  • Aadhipathyam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Composer

  • America America (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Composer

  • Kuyiline Thedi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Composer

  • Theeram Thedunna Thira (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Composer

  • Oru Pullanguzhal Aduppudhugiradhu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Composer

  • Innalenkil Nale (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Aa Divasam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Aarambham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Oru Thira Pinneyum Thira (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Saravarsham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Nandri, Meendum Varuga (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Enthino Pookunna Pookal(1982)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • John Jaffer Janardhanan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Sindoora Sandhyakku Mounam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Ee Nadu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Idiyum Minnalum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Mazhu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Shaari Alla Shaarada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Composer

  • Ahimsa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Composer

  • Kadathu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Composer

  • Thrishna (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Composer

  • Archana Teacher (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Composer

  • Kallan Pavithran (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Composer

  • Munnettam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Composer

  • Thushaaram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Composer

  • Ashwaradham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Composer

  • Vaiki Vanna Vasantham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Composer

  • Nayattu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Composer

  • Kaantha Valayam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Composer

  • Idi muzhakkam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Composer

  • Angaadi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Music Director

  • Kalliyankattu Neeli(1979)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Manitharil Ithanai Nirangalah! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Composer

  • Urakkam Varaatha Raathrikal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Composer

  • Rowdy Ramu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Composer

  • Unarchigal(1976)

    Composer

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Samasya (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Composer

  • Karunthel Kannayiram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Composer

Career shape

A full career of 143 titles from 1972 to 2004.

Highest rated

Akkare Akkare Akkare (1990)

Midcredits 94th

Most popular right now

Asthram (1983)

By role

only this rolewith another role
Music139 of 143: 138 only music, 1 with another role · typical Midcredits score50thOther crew5 of 143: 4 only other crew, 1 with another role

By decade

1970s7 · crew1980s123 · crew1990s11 · crew2000s2 · crew

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored.

How do Shyam's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 69th percentile, the median of all 15; across their 10 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 71st percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

71stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 10

Approval · how many liked their films

77thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 10

Reach · how many have seen their films

24thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 10

Midcredits score across 15 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up6
  • 50th to 74th4
  • 25th to 49th4
  • Below 25th1

Shape of the crowd

5 of their 15 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved2
  • Universally Panned1
  • Divisive2
  • Cult Classic3
  • Crowd Pleaser5
  • Mixed2

Most divisive · composer

Unarchigal (1976)

92nd percentile spread · 35% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · composer

Akkare Akkare Akkare (1990)

Midcredits 94th · 84% liked

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Shyam work with?

People who share at least 2 of Shyam's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Mammootty shares the most, 8.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Cinematographers and editors

Producers