Ninnila -2021-: Ninnila
Ninnila Ninnila is a measured, sensory film that uses food as an organizing metaphor for memory, grief, and human connection. Its strengths lie in its tactile cinematography, subtle performances, and thematic cohesion; its deliberate pacing and narrative ambiguity will be rewarding for some viewers and testing for others.
Related search suggestions (chef romance; food memory films; Ninnila Ninnila review)
Ninnila Ninnila is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film directed by Ani I.V. Sasi . Released on February 26, 2021, primarily through the streaming platform ZEE5 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it also had a limited theatrical release in select regions under the title Theeni in Tamil . Production and Cast
The film marked the Telugu debut for actor Ashok Selvan, who played Dev, an overweight chef suffering from muscle spasms and insomnia . The lead cast also included Nithya Menen and Ritu Varma, who played Maya and Tara respectively . Director: Ani I.V. Sasi, making his directorial debut .
Producers: B. V. S. N. Prasad and Bapineedu B under the Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra banner . Music: Composed by Rajesh Murugesan . Cinematography: Handled by Divakar Mani . Editing: Done by Navin Nooli . Plot Overview
Set in London, the story follows Dev (Ashok Selvan), a brilliant but socially awkward chef who works at a high-end restaurant . He meets Tara (Ritu Varma), a perfectionist colleague, and Maya (Nithya Menen), a free-spirited woman with a child-like innocence who enters his life unexpectedly . The narrative explores the triangular relationship between these characters through a blend of magical realism and heartwarming drama . Reception
The film received generally positive reviews for its breezy storytelling, technical finesse (especially the cinematography and food styling), and the performances of its lead trio . It was praised for its "feel-good" vibe and for avoiding typical commercial cinema tropes .
A Delectable Journey: Why " Ninnila Ninnila " (2021) is a Must-Watch If you are looking for a "long warm hug" in movie form, Ninnila Ninnila (2021)
is exactly what you need. Set in the cozy, winter-chilled streets of London, this debut film by director Ani I. V. Sasi
serves up a tender story where food isn't just a backdrop—it’s the language of healing. The Flavor of the Story The film follows Ashok Selvan
), a gifted but struggling chef who moves to London to work at "Amara," an elite restaurant run by a stern Michelin-star head chef (
). Dev is an "overweight genius" dealing with insomnia and sudden muscle spasms, making him a bumbling but endearing presence in the kitchen. In the kitchen, he meets Ritu Varma
), a fellow chef who is his complete opposite. While Dev cooks by instinct and smell, Tara is a stickler for discipline and perfection. Their relationship is further complicated by the appearance of the bubbly and impish Nithya Menen
), whose role in Dev's life provides the film’s emotional core and a surprising twist. Why You’ll Love It Ninnila Ninnila (2021) Ninnila Ninnila -2021-
Ninnila Ninnila (2021) is a Telugu-language romantic comedy that centers on Dev, an overweight chef with muscle spasms and insomnia, whose life takes a whimsical turn when he meets two very different women at a premium London restaurant. Key Features & Plot
Unique Protagonist: The story follows Dev (Ashok Selvan), a passionate chef struggling with physical and mental health issues. His meticulous nature and love for food are central to the film’s charm.
Whimsical Tone: Unlike standard rom-coms, the film uses a "feel-good," almost surreal vibe, often described as "hearty" and "relaxed".
Visual Storytelling: The movie is renowned for its "drooling food visuals" and beautiful cinematography that captures the essence of a high-end kitchen and the streets of London. Ensemble Cast: Ashok Selvan as Dev.
Ritu Varma as Tara, a fellow chef who shares Dev’s perfectionist streak.
Nithya Menen as Maya, a spirited and mysterious woman who adds a layer of fantasy to the narrative. Nassar as the head chef and mentor figure. Production & Reception Director: It marks the directorial debut of Ani I. V. Sasi.
Music: Scored by Rajesh Murugesan, the gentle music is often cited as a standout element that complements the film's gentle pace.
Streaming: You can find Ninnila Ninnila on Apple TV or Zee5. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Here’s a short piece inspired by the 2021 Telugu romantic drama Ninnila Ninnila, capturing its themes of love, second chances, and the magic of food.
Title: The Recipe of Us
The rain tapped gently against the glass doors of the cloud kitchen. Inside, the scent of fresh ginger and crushed cardamom swirled in the steam rising from a small copper pot.
Dev stood by the counter, staring at a handwritten note smudged with turmeric. "Add a pinch of patience. Stir slowly. Taste with your eyes closed."
He had opened the café to forget her. But every dish on the menu—the soft idlis that melted like a morning promise, the filter coffee that brewed a bittersweet ache—was a memory of Tara. She was the whirlwind who had limped into his orderly life and taught him that perfect recipes don't need perfect people. Ninnila Ninnila is a measured, sensory film that
She had left without a goodbye, only this note and a half-empty jar of star anise.
Tonight, he was making her favorite dessert: Payasam, the one she called “happiness in a bowl.” As the milk thickened, he recalled her laughter—how she’d dip her finger into the simmering pot, burn her tongue, and still grin. “Love is like this, Dev,” she’d said. “Hot, messy, worth the burn.”
A bell chimed.
He looked up. There she was, standing at the door, drenched, a small suitcase by her side, and that familiar lopsided smile on her face.
“You forgot the final ingredient,” she said softly.
He frowned. “What?”
“Me.”
The payasam bubbled over, and for the first time in months, the kitchen felt warm again. Not from the stove—but from the quiet truth that some recipes are never finished. They just wait for the right person to come back and taste.
Ninnila Ninnila—as delicate as a dream, as stubborn as love.
Ninnila Ninnila (2021): A Soul-Stirring Culinary Journey Released on February 26, 2021, Ninnila Ninnila (also titled Theeni in Tamil) is a heartwarming romantic comedy that uses the art of cooking as a metaphor for healing. Directed by debutant Ani I. V. Sasi—the son of legendary Malayalam filmmaker I. V. Sasi—the film eschews typical high-octane tropes for a gentle, "slow-cooked" narrative set against the chilly but beautiful backdrop of London. A Tale of Food, Loss, and Healing
The story follows Dev (Ashok Selvan), a genius chef struggling with a pot belly, insomnia, and peculiar muscle spasms. He moves to London to work at Amara, a prestigious restaurant run by a stern, Michelin-starred Head Chef (Nassar) who hasn't cooked in fifteen years.
At the restaurant, Dev meets Tara (Ritu Varma), a fellow chef with obsessive-compulsive tendencies who initially finds Dev’s erratic behavior off-putting. However, their bond deepens when they get trapped in a cold storage room, leading Dev to reveal his past and the "presence" of Maya (Nithya Menen)—his bubbly childhood friend who passed away years ago but remains a constant, vivid hallucination in his life. Cast and Performances
The film's strength lies in its restrained, impactful performances: Title: The Recipe of Us The rain tapped
Ashok Selvan (Dev): In his Telugu debut, Selvan portrays Dev with a vulnerable charm, using a gentle smile and subtle physical cues to convey his internal struggle.
Nithya Menen (Maya): Brings an infectious, childlike energy to the screen as the impish Maya, serving as the emotional anchor of the second half.
Ritu Varma (Tara): Delivers a nuanced performance as the disciplined Tara, whose "tough girl" exterior masks a deep yearning for her estranged father.
Nassar (Head Chef): Provides an "acting masterclass," communicating authority and hidden grief with minimal dialogue. Artistic Direction and Music
The film’s visual and auditory palette is meticulously crafted to suit its cozy mood:
Cinematography: Divakar Mani uses warm lighting and close-up shots of "food porn"—from golden-crusted fish to aromatic Indian spices—to create a dreamy, surreal atmosphere.
Music: Composed by Rajesh Murugesan, the soundtrack features standout tracks like "Naa Kosam" that seamlessly blend with the film’s rhythmic kitchen sequences. Reception and Themes
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film as a "tender gem" and a "long warm hug". While some noted its slow pace, most agreed that its exploration of mental health issues like depression, OCD, and grief is handled with refreshing sensitivity. For many viewers, the film’s central message—that food has the power to heal even the deepest wounds—resonates long after the credits roll.
Since Ninnila Ninnila was a direct-to-digital release (premiering on SonyLIV in March 2021), it does not have traditional box office numbers. However, its reception was overwhelmingly positive among critics and urban audiences.
Critics praised the film for its "slice-of-life" authenticity. The Indian Express gave it 3.5/5 stars, noting, "It is a quiet film in a loud world." Film Companion called it "a gentle rumination on love and loss." On IMDb, it holds a steady rating of 7.8/10, with many users hailing it as an "underrated gem."
However, the film did face minor criticism. Some viewers found the pacing too slow, especially in the first half. The nonlinear narrative, while effective, confused a segment of the audience expecting a linear boy-meets-girl story. A few critics also pointed out that the London setting felt too "globalized," distancing the film from its Telugu roots.
One of the greatest strengths of Ninnila Ninnila is its casting. The film brings together three distinct acting styles from three different film industries, creating a harmonious ensemble.
What makes Ninnila Ninnila stand out from other Telugu romantic films is its mature handling of love. This is not a film about running around trees or family drama. It is a film about adult relationships—where love is often messy, unspoken, and entangled with trauma.