Ninnila Ninnila (transl. Softly, Softly) is a 2021 Telugu-language romantic drama that marked the digital debut of actor Ashok Selvan in Telugu cinema. Directed by Ani. I. V. Sasi and produced under the S Originals banner, the film was a direct-to-digital release on Disney+ Hotstar on March 12, 2021. Despite arriving during a period of pandemic-related theatrical uncertainty, the film found a warm reception for its charming narrative and strong lead performances.
Ninnila Ninnila is a gentle, heartfelt romance that prioritizes emotional depth over commercial formula. While it doesn’t break new ground, its sincere performances, beautiful music, and sensitive handling of disability and loss make it a worthwhile watch for genre lovers.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) – Warm, comforting, and bittersweet.
🎬 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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Released in February 2021, Ninnila Ninnila in Tamil) is a heartwarming Telugu romantic comedy directed by Ani I.V. Sasi
in his directorial debut. Billed as "love on a platter," the film is
a slice-of-life story centered on the themes of food, love, and emotional healing Core Premise & Plot The film follows
(Ashok Selvan), an overweight, insomniac genius chef with muscle spasms, who works at an upscale restaurant in London. His life takes a turn when he encounters two women who change his perspective on food and life: The News Minute
(Ritu Varma), a fellow perfectionist chef at the same restaurant.
(Nithya Menen), a mysterious and playful woman whose presence brings a magical, soulful quality to the narrative. Cast and Crew Lead Actors: Ninnila Ninnila -2021-
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
fame), featuring soulful tracks like "Pravahinche" and "Naa Kosam". Cinematography:
Divakar Mani, praised for the film's "beautifully shot" and "pleasant" visual aesthetic. Reception and Style Critical Acclaim:
Reviewers described it as a "beautifully written and acted" film that offers a "heartwarming" and "soulful" experience. Visual Style:
The movie is noted for its high-quality production design and cinematography that makes the cooking sequences and London settings look exceptionally appealing. Comparisons: While some viewers initially drew comparisons to Pixar's Ratatouille
due to its focus on a "weird chef," many audiences found its emotional core to be original and distinct. How to Watch
The film bypassed a traditional theatrical release in many regions and was premiered directly on
as a pay-per-view (ZeePlex) title before moving to the standard subscription. Roopesh Omana - News - IMDb
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 Ninnila Ninnila (transl
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.
The story revolves around Dev (Nithiin), a celebrated chef who suffers a spinal cord injury after an accident and becomes confined to a wheelchair. He loses his purpose, falls into depression, and isolates himself.
Tara (Ritu Varma) is a cheerful, quirky young woman who moves into Dev’s neighborhood. She has a hidden medical condition of her own. Through persistence and warmth, she slowly brings joy back into his life, helping him rediscover love and hope.
Shashank/Sam (Ashok Selvan) is the third lead, whose connection to Tara forms the film’s emotional twist. The narrative jumps between the past and present, slowly revealing how the three lives are interconnected.
The film is an official adaptation of the 2016 Korean blockbuster Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned, but with significant creative liberties taken to suit Telugu sensibilities.
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.
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.
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 Ninnila Ninnila is a gentle, heartfelt romance that
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.
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.
Here’s a write-up for the Telugu romantic drama Ninnila Ninnila (2021).
