Ninnila Ninnila -2021-
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.
The title, Ninnila Ninnila, is taken from a haunting melody composed by the legendary A. R. Rahman. The soundtrack, also composed by Rahman, is the soul of the film. Tracks like Ninnala Ninnnala (the title song) and Meghamayi are not just background scores; they are narrators. Rahman uses a blend of classical strings and electronic beats to mirror Dev’s chaotic internal state. The song Naalai Avan (The Man of Tomorrow) is a philosophical anthem about moving forward despite paralysis.
The cinematography, handled by Karthik Muthukumar, creates a stark visual dichotomy. London is shot in cold blues and silvers—sterile, sleek, but lonely. Hyderabad, in the flashbacks, is drenched in warm yellows and oranges—full of life, spice, and chaos. This visual language tells the story before a single word is spoken. The close-up shots of food preparation are hypnotic, making the loss of taste feel like a universal tragedy.
At its core, Ninnila Ninnila is a story about second chances—not just in love, but in life itself. The film follows Dev (Ashok Selvan), a Michelin-starred chef living in London. Externally, Dev has everything: fame, wealth, and a culinary empire. But internally, he is a broken man confined to a wheelchair, battling a neurological condition that has stolen his mobility and, more tragically, his ability to taste food. For a chef, the loss of taste is a poetic death of the soul.
Enter Tara (Ritu Varma), a vibrant, unpredictable, and fiercely independent woman who works as a delivery person for a food app. She stumbles into Dev’s meticulously ordered, bitter life by accident. Where Dev is precise and melancholic, Tara is chaotic and joyful. She harbours a secret of her own—a chronic heart condition that makes every day a borrowed gift. The chemistry between the two is not the usual "boy-meets-girl" fireworks; it is a slow, simmering stew of mutual brokenness finding solace in each other.
The narrative cleverly alternates between the present (London) and the past (Hyderabad). In the past, we meet a younger, able-bodied Dev who is in a passionate, intellectual romance with a medical student named Nidhi (Nithya Menen). Nidhi is pragmatic, driven, and represents the "perfect plan"—the kind of love that makes sense on paper. The film poses an interesting question: Is love a logical decision or a beautiful accident?
As the past unravels, we learn how Dev lost the ability to walk and taste, and how Nidhi’s departure shattered him. The present timeline shows Tara slowly teaching Dev to "taste" again—not with his tongue, but with his heart. Their relationship blossoms through shared meals, silent walks, and an unspoken understanding of mortality.
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 Ninnila Ninnila -2021-
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 .
In a cinematic era dominated by pan-Indian action epics and mass masala entertainers, Ninnila Ninnila is a rebellion of whispers. It proves that Telugu cinema can produce intelligent, urban romance without compromising on emotional depth. It gave a platform to directors like Ani. I. V. Sasi, who showed that a debutant can handle heavy themes like disability, mortality, and ambition with grace.
Furthermore, the film marked an important shift in how OTT platforms were viewed in Tollywood. At the time, releasing a film starring Ashok Selvan (lesser-known in Telugu) and Ritu Varma directly on streaming was a risk. The success of Ninnila Ninnila encouraged other filmmakers to bypass traditional theatrical pressures and experiment with new-age content.
Ninnila Ninnila (2021) is not a movie you watch; it is a meal you savor slowly. It demands patience and emotional availability. If you are looking for high-energy dance numbers or larger-than-life heroism, this is not the film for you. But if you yearn for a story that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening—a story about tasting life when you’ve lost your appetite—then press play.
The title repeats "Ninnila Ninnila" (You, Only You). By the end of the film, you realize it’s not just a romantic address to a lover. It is a promise to oneself. You have to find joy, only you. You have to heal your wounds, only you. And sometimes, love is just the gentle reminder that you are capable of trying again.
Rating: ★★★★ (4/5) – A tender, mature romance that lingers long after the credits roll.
Where to Watch: SonyLIV (as of 2021-2025)
Ninnila Ninnila is a 2021 Telugu-language romantic comedy. Set largely in London, it is often described as a "feel-good" movie centered around food, love, and healing. Core Details Release Date: February 26, 2021. Director: Ani I.V. Sasi (in his directorial debut). Genre: Romantic Comedy / Drama.
Where to Watch: Available for streaming on ZEE5 and Apple TV. Plot Summary
The story follows Dev (Ashok Selvan), an overweight, genius chef who suffers from muscle spasms. He moves to London to work at a prestigious 5-star restaurant run by a moody, world-renowned head chef (Nassar). Dev's life becomes complicated—and heartwarming—as he interacts with two different women: Tara (Ritu Varma), a disciplined fellow chef at the restaurant, and Maya (Nithya Menen), a mysterious and playful woman from his past. Main Cast & Characters Ashok Selvan Dev (The Chef) Nithya Menen Ritu Varma Nassar Satya Ninnila Ninnila (2021) - IMDb One of the greatest strengths of Ninnila Ninnila
🎬 Movie Spotlight: Ninnila Ninnila (2021)
⭐ Rating: 4/5 – A Delicious Blend of Romance, Humor, and Emotion
If you are looking for a feel-good movie that breaks the typical Tollywood masala mold, Ninnila Ninnila is the perfect watch. Released in 2021, this film is a breath of fresh air—serving up a story that is as heartwarming as it is unique.
📽️ The Plot: The story revolves around Dev (Ashok Selvan), an obese chef who struggles with his confidence due to his weight and a strange "timid" reflex. He lands a job at an upscale restaurant in London, run by the moody and superstitious Chef Nagaraj (Nasser). There, Dev meets Tara (Ritu Varma), a brilliant chef who is counting down the days until she can leave her job and settle down. What follows is a beautiful narrative about cooking, insecurities, and finding love in the most unexpected places.
✨ What Works:
🎬 Final Verdict: Ninnila Ninnila is a "comfort movie." It doesn't have high-octane action or exaggerated drama. Instead, it offers a plate full of love, laughter, and life lessons. It is a subtle, sweet, and satisfying experience.
Highly recommended for a cozy weekend watch! 🍿
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The film follows Dev (Ashok Selvan), a talented but socially awkward chef with a chronic stutter and a love for culinary arts. He lands a job at a prestigious restaurant in London, where he meets Tara (Ritu Varma) and Maya (Nithya Menen). The film is a heartwarming exploration of love, grief, and friendship, set against a backdrop of delicious food and emotional healing. 💡 Key Aspects A "Feel-Good" Experience:
Known for its gentle pace, soothing aesthetics, and focus on emotional connection rather than dramatic conflict. 🎬 Movie Spotlight: Ninnila Ninnila (2021) ⭐ Rating:
Deals with complex emotions, focusing on how food brings people together and helps them navigate their inner struggles. Performances:
Widely appreciated for the chemistry between the lead actors, particularly Nithya Menen's lively character and Ashok Selvan's restrained performance. 🎶 Music
The film features an original soundtrack composed by Rajesh Murugesan, adding to the comforting, romantic atmosphere of the film.
Ninnila Ninnila is a visual and emotional treat for those who enjoy slice-of-life cinema.
The story of the 2021 film Ninnila Ninnila is a heartwarming culinary drama centered on Dev, a genius chef with a quirky and gentle personality who navigates love, loss, and the healing power of food. The London Kitchen
Dev, an overweight young man who suffers from muscle spasms and is a social misfit, moves to London to work at Amara, a multi-cuisine five-star restaurant. Despite his physical conditions, he possesses a "magic touch" in the kitchen and an incredible sense of smell. The restaurant is run by a stern, Michelin-star head chef who hasn't cooked in fifteen years but is immediately impressed by Dev's talent. Two Different Worlds
In the kitchen, Dev meets Tara, a fellow chef who is his complete opposite—she is disciplined, obsessive-compulsive, and initially irritated by Dev's lack of formal method. However, as they spend more time together, a quiet romance begins to blossom through their shared love for cooking.
The story takes a turn with the introduction of Maya, a bubbly and spirited woman from Dev's past who shares a deep emotional bond with him. Her presence brings out a more vulnerable side of Dev and reveals the origin of his physical and emotional struggles. The Emotional Core
The film eventually uncovers Dev's backstory, explaining that his muscle spasms and social awkwardness are rooted in past trauma involving Maya. The climax focuses on how Dev learns to balance his memories of the past with his potential future with Tara, emphasizing that while grief can be heavy, food and connection have the power to heal. Ninnila Ninnila (2021) - IMDb