Ninnila Ninnila -2021- Jun 2026
: Cinematographer Divakar Mani captured the culinary world with lush, warm visuals, making the food scenes almost tangible.
Ashok Selvan (making his Telugu debut), Nithya Menen, and Ritu Varma. Supporting Cast: Includes seasoned actor Nassar as the head chef. Ani I.V. Sasi. Composed by Rajesh Murugesan
Their paths cross in London when Dev, trying to overcome his disorder, lands a job at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Tara becomes his roommate, and what follows is a delicate, often humorous journey of two “broken” people learning to navigate love, vulnerability, and the fear of being a burden to each other. The title Ninnila Ninnila —softly, gently—perfectly captures the film’s approach to romance: tender, unhurried, and full of quiet moments.
⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) Recommended for: Fans of slice-of-life romances, anyone looking for a light but meaningful watch, and admirers of Ashok Selvan & Ritu Varma. Ninnila Ninnila -2021-
The film is frequently described as "food porn" due to its lush, high-definition captures of culinary delicacies, from London's Michelin-star dishes to the Irani chai and vadas of Hyderabad's Old City.
The romance in the film is not about grand gestures but about small moments, shared silences, and mutual understanding. Performances That Nailed the Nuance
He frowned. “What?”
The film boasts an impressive cast, with Sreeleela and Varun Sandesh delivering standout performances. Sreeleela, in her debut role, shines as Mounika, bringing depth and nuance to her character. Varun Sandesh, on the other hand, plays Karthik with ease, effortlessly switching between charming and menacing. The supporting cast, including veteran actors like Kota Srinivasa Rao and Naresh, add to the film's overall appeal.
The visuals are warm, soft, and intimate—matching the title’s meaning. Hyderabad and Coonoor are captured beautifully.
Ninnila Ninnila (2021) is a Tamil-language romantic drama with magical‑realist elements directed by R. Sarathkumar (credited as Gautham) and produced by R. K. S. Suresh. The film centers on food, memory, and longing, following an emotionally reserved chef whose life is upended when a mysterious woman enters his restaurant and catalyzes healing through shared meals. The narrative blends romance with subtle supernatural beats, using gastronomy as a metaphor for memory, identity, and reconnection. : Cinematographer Divakar Mani captured the culinary world
as Tara, a fellow chef who shares Dev’s perfectionist streak.
| | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Title | Ninnila Ninnila | | Director | Ani I. V. Sasi (debut) | | Producer | B. V. S. N. Prasad (Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra) | | Star Cast | Ashok Selvan, Ritu Varma, Nithya Menen, Nassar, Satya | | Music | Rajesh Murugesan | | Cinematography | Divakar Mani | | Release Date | 26 February 2021 | | Running Time | 118 minutes | | Language | Telugu | | OTT Platform | ZEE5 (originally released on Zee Plex) |
Ninnila Ninnila is a "chef's kiss" to cinema lovers looking for something heartfelt and unroutine. It is a film that celebrates the simple joys of life—from the perfect marination of a dish to the joy of finding a kindred spirit. Tara becomes his roommate, and what follows is