Jun
Prime Feature
Cinema’s Most Celebrated Storytellers Come Together To Discuss The Music And Soul of Balan: The Boy
Mumbai, 19th June 2026: Following the theatrical release of Balan: The Boy today, produced by KVN Productions & the Thespian films, a special conversation featuring some of the most acclaimed creative minds in Indian cinema was unveiled on Zee Music YouTube channel, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the making of the film. Bringing together legendary filmmaker Priyadarshan, director Chidambaram, writer Jithu Madhavan, composer Sushin Shyam, cinematographer Shyju Khalid, editor Vivek Harshan, and Sujal Parekh, Chief Business Officer, Zee Music Company, the discussion explored the creative vision, storytelling, and music that shaped the much-anticipated film.
The conversation reflected on the collaborative process behind Balan: The Boy—a deeply emotional and immersive cinematic experience centred on themes of identity, belonging, survival, and the powerful bond between a mother and her son. The filmmakers shared insights into bringing this intimate story to life and the creative synergy that drove the project from script to screen. Balan: The Boy released in theatres today in Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.
A key focus of the discussion was the film’s music and soundscape, with the team sharing how the soundtrack became an integral part of the storytelling. Zee Music Company, the film’s official music partner, has been instrumental in bringing the music of Balan: The Boy to audiences across languages and regions. Director Priyadarshan, who was deeply moved by the film, added, “The mother-son relationship is one of the most touching relationships in the world. Balan: The Boy is a very emotional film, and I really liked its melodic approach to music”. He also briefly spoke about his Bhooth Bangla and his upcoming film, Haiwaan, sharing insights into his continued exploration of varied cinematic narratives.
The recently released Thaakkol introduced audiences to the film’s whimsical and childlike world through a nursery-rhyme-inspired composition. Sung by Nila Raj, lyrics by Anvar Ali and composed by Sushin Shyam, the song captures innocence, curiosity, and wonder while subtly hinting at the mysteries that lie at the heart of the film.
Watch the full conversation here:
Speaking about working with Sushin, Director Chidambaram said, “Everyone has seen the kind of score he created for Manjummel Boys. It is very easy to work with him, and a privilege to collaborate with him on Balan: The Boy.”
Reflecting on the film’s music, Sushin Shyam shared, “We wanted the music and OST to have an intimate palette, especially around the mother-son relationship. For one of the songs, titled “ Makane Makane” we also worked towards creating a specific sound with the help of Shanka Tribe (Band) and Neha Nair on the fisherman community and the world they inhabit”.
Meanwhile, Engotta, composed by and sung by Sushin Shyam, written by Anvar Ali, serves as an emotional ode to unconditional love, freedom, and the journey into the unknown. The song beautifully reflects the film’s central mother-son relationship and their shared path through uncertainty, making it one of the soundtrack’s most moving pieces.
