In this special feature, we dive into the creative world of Justin Varghese, a well-known music director. From his early days as a music lover to working alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, Justin shares his journey with genuine warmth. He talks openly about the hurdles he faced, how they helped him grow, and why every project for him is more than just work; it’s a true work of art.
During a recent visit to the SH Digital Media Experience Center, Justin shared a heartfelt memory of the first time he heard stereo sound a quiet, powerful moment that ignited his lifelong passion for music and sound design. As we walked through the demo center together, he spoke about how those childhood impressions evolved into a career defined by authenticity and immersive storytelling through sound.
While exploring our SH Digital Media Experience Centre, Justin truly felt how high-quality audio can change the way we experience music at home. For him, it wasn’t just about the technology it was a deeply emotional experience, where careful craftsmanship and artistry brought every note, every beat, and even the quiet moments to life.
Behind the Score: The Justin Varghese Experience
Few people have made a reputation for themselves in the music and film industries as distinctive and sincere as Justin Varghese. Justin has established himself as a prominent voice in the Malayalam cinema industry thanks to his heartfelt compositions and well-honed emotional sensibility. But, behind every note and background score lies a story a journey of passion, perseverance, and constant evolution.
About Justin Varghese
Born in Kochi, Kerala, Justin is an acclaimed music composer and producer in the Malayalam film industry. He began his journey under the mentorship of Bijibal and made his independent debut with Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela (2017). His signature style has shaped beloved films such as Thanneer Mathan Dinangal (2019), Joji (2021), Ajagajantharam (2021), and Stree 2 (2024). With a deep appreciation for sound that feels alive, Justin’s creative ethos aligns naturally with SH Digital Media’s vision to deliver cinematic experiences at home without compromise. Join us as Justin walks through the showroom, sharing his story and experiencing how SH Digital Media transforms music and movies into memories that last.
The Earliest Memories of Stereo Sound / A Humble Beginning
Justin’s love for music started long before he stepped into a studio. Growing up in Kerala, music surrounded him from local church choirs and the traditional sounds of his hometown to the rich film scores that shaped generations. What started as a simple hobby soon grew into a true calling.
“I never imagined I’d become a composer,” Justin recalls. “I just wanted to understand music better. But one project led to another, and slowly, I found my own space.”
After studying sound engineering and spending years assisting established composers like Gopi Sundar and Bijibal, Justin began to grasp the delicate balance between music and storytelling a craft he would soon make his own.
"We put in a lot of effort in the sound making of a movie. At first, we listen to the songs because we like the tunes of the songs. We used to sing small songs in our childhood. After that, we listen to the songs that sound good. When my brother and I sit here and listen to the songs, we start to recognize the stereo sound. Since then, we used to increase the bass treble."
His early audio experiments were pure trial and error.
During his visit to SH Digital Media, Justin shared a nostalgic memory from his early experiments with sound. He recalled connecting a small external speaker to his home tape recorder using RCA cables. When he did this, the internal speaker of the tape recorder would switch off, allowing sound only from the external one.
"At one point, I got a small speaker. I had a tape recorder at home. I connected it to the back of the speaker and tried to connect it to this speaker. When I connected this, the tape recorder's speaker would be cut off and only this would be heard. As I was connecting this, I got a loose contact. The tape recorder's speaker was marked as the right speaker and the separate left speaker.
So one day, I put aside the separate speaker and when the width came, it was nice to hear the stereo image. I don't know much about it, but it was fun. I used to connect the new RCA cable to the use contact and listen like this."
Eventually, he realised he could separate the left and right audio channels marked clearly on the tape recorder to get a basic stereo effect. Though he didn’t fully understand the technical aspects back then, he enjoyed playing around with the connections and exploring how stereo sound worked. It was one of his first experiences with sound design, purely driven by curiosity and a love for music.
"So one day, I put aside the separate speaker and when the width came, it was nice to hear the stereo image. I don't know much about it, but it was fun. I used to connect the new RCA cable to the use contact and listen like this." He added.
A Sound Lover’s Haven
"I did music and sound engineering. Then I studied about it and explored it more. I have always wanted to have a home theater like this. I searched for everything here and went to many places. I saw different products. But when I came to SH Digital Media, I met Rahul. I have a lot of doubts. I have a limited budget. This budget, in my flat, in my bedroom, in this space, I need the best thing. So I talked about all these things."
Justin shares a candid glimpse into his journey as both a sound professional and a passionate listener. He explains how his formal education in music and sound engineering deepened his understanding, but it was his personal dream of creating the perfect home theater experience that really drove him.
And, his words reveal the practical challenges many audiophiles face: balancing high-quality sound with real-world constraints like budget and space. He emphasises how he explored numerous options and visited various stores, searching for the right solution to fit his flat and bedroom.
Exploring SH Digital Media’s Audio Experience
What stands out is his appreciation for the personalised approach he found at SH Digital Media. Meeting us was a turning point someone who listened carefully to his concerns and helped him navigate the complexities of selecting equipment that could deliver the best possible sound within his limitations.
This candid reflection underscores the importance of expert guidance and thoughtful planning in creating a home theater setup that feels truly tailored and satisfying something Justin clearly values deeply.
I asked him, “What made us stand out from all those other places?!”
He replied "I got a good clarity from Rahul. So here, I thought about how we can put our budget in a form theater and how we can give a good listening experience. Also, the equipment for music listening. I thought about these two things."
What stood out most to me was Justin’s appreciation for the personalised approach we strive to offer at SH Digital Media. When he came to us with his doubts and concerns about budget and space, I made sure to listen carefully and understand exactly what he needed. It was important to help him navigate the many options available and find equipment that would deliver the best possible sound experience within the constraints of his flat and bedroom.
Justin’s candid reflection highlights something I believe deeply: expert guidance and thoughtful planning are essential to creating a home theater setup that is truly tailored to the listener. It’s rewarding to know that through collaboration, we could design a solution that not only met his needs but also gave him the immersive sound experience he dreamed of.
"You can listen to it in a different way. There is a dedicated room for music listening. I have told this to the musicians who work with me. I have brought some of them here. I have told the directors that we should go and see it with a preview. Because it is such an amazing experience to sit here."
Justin went on to share more about the impact of the experience "I was impressed by his conviction and asked, “So this place isn’t just about great equipment, it actually gives you the confidence to showcase your work professionally?!”
Justin nodded, "Even if it's a projection or sound, it's that good. I recently wrote a Hindi movie. I told the director that we have a space in Kerala. If we need a review, we can meet there. Because I can confidently tell them and bring it to them. Because whoever comes, they will be impressed. I have the confidence to bring a director from Bombay and say, sir, this is a film."
Final Thoughts
Sound is more than just technology it’s an emotional journey that brings stories to life. As specialists in crafting custom home theaters and sound systems, we’re passionate about creating immersive experiences that connect deeply with every listener. Partnering with creative minds like Justin helps us push the boundaries of what a private cinema can be, making every moment unforgettable. Moments like these remind us why we’re passionate about bringing cinema-quality sound and emotion right into your home.
As Justin said, “I don’t know if there is a good preview theater here. It will be the best experience with all kinds of sound. There is a mood when you come here. It will be a heaven for those who like sound.” This perfectly captures the unique atmosphere at SH Digital Media.
