Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Malayalam · Drama
2h 4m · 4 Jul 1986
Writer: Priyadarshan
Ratings
Our Rating
3
Ninnishtam Ennishtam is a Malayalam romantic drama that revolves around the emotional journey of its protagonist, played by Mohanlal. The story explores themes of love, relationships, and societal expectations, set against the backdrop of Kerala's cultural milieu. The narrative unfolds through the interactions between the lead characters, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and the struggles they face in pursuit of happiness.
Ninnishtam Ennishtam offers a heartfelt portrayal of romance and interpersonal dynamics, with a screenplay that balances emotional depth and narrative progression. The story is engaging, though the pacing tends to slow down in the second half, affecting the overall momentum. The first half establishes characters and their motivations effectively, creating a solid foundation for the unfolding drama.
The second half, while rich in emotional content, sometimes lingers on scenes that could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative. The film's songs, though not credited to a specific music director, blend well with the story, enhancing the emotional resonance without overpowering the scenes. The background score complements the mood, subtly supporting the film's tone and atmosphere.
Overall, the film is a nostalgic piece reflecting the cinematic style of the mid-1980s Malayalam industry, with performances that bring authenticity to the characters despite some technical limitations in cinematography and production values.
Mohanlal: Delivered a nuanced and heartfelt performance, capturing the emotional depth of his character.
Priya: Provided a convincing portrayal of the female lead, balancing vulnerability and strength.
Sukumari: Added depth to the supporting cast with her seasoned acting skills.
Mukesh: Offered a solid supporting role, contributing to the film's narrative.
Kundara Johny: Played a memorable character with intensity.
Sreenivasan: Brought subtle humor and realism to his role.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Alleppey Ashraf's direction focuses on character-driven storytelling, emphasizing emotional authenticity over technical grandeur. The writing supports the performances well but could have benefited from tighter editing, especially in the latter half.
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | Moderate appreciation for performances and emotional storytelling |
| Neutral | Mixed feelings about pacing and technical aspects |
| Negative | Criticism for slow second half and lack of musical credits |
Due to the film's age and regional nature, there are limited published numeric critic ratings available from the specified sources. The film is generally remembered for its performances and emotional narrative rather than critical acclaim or technical innovation.
Final Box-Office Result
Ninnishtam Ennishtam released on 4 July 1986 (1986).
Ninnishtam Ennishtam is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Ninnishtam Ennishtam is available on Sun Nxt, Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Ninnishtam Ennishtam directed by Alleppey Ashraf.
Ninnishtam Ennishtam stars Mohanlal, Priya, Sukumari, Mukesh, Kundara Johny.
Tollybo rates Ninnishtam Ennishtam 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Ninnishtam Ennishtam — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 124 minutes, Language: Malayalam.