Ninnila Ninnila -2021- May 2026

Ninnila Ninnila is a heartwarming, gently told love story that prioritizes emotional honesty over grand gestures. It doesn’t try to reinvent the romance genre, but it delivers its familiar beats with charm, sincerity, and two wonderful central performances. If you enjoy films like 50 First Dates, The Big Sick, or Telugu indie gems like Pelli Choopulu, this one will leave you with a smile.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐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 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 (released as in Tamil) is a 2021 romantic drama directed by Ani I.V. Sasi that explores themes of love, loss, and healing through the lens of culinary art. Core Premise & Plot

The story follows Dev (Ashok Selvan), a genius chef struggling with obesity and muscle spasms, who works at a high-end restaurant in London. He is a social recluse whose life revolves around cooking until he meets two very different women: Ninnila Ninnila -2021-

Tara (Ritu Varma): A fellow chef at the restaurant who is disciplined, meticulous, and suffers from OCD.

Maya (Nithya Menen): A free-spirited, childlike woman who shares a deep, mysterious connection with Dev.

The narrative weaves between Dev's professional life in London and a poignant backstory, eventually revealing how food serves as a bridge to suppressed memories and emotional closure. Production Highlights

Cast: The film features a central trio of Ashok Selvan, Nithya Menen, and Ritu Varma.

Director: It marked the directorial debut of Ani I.V. Sasi, son of legendary filmmaker I.V. Sasi.

Cinematography: Divakar Mani captured the film's "love on a platter" aesthetic with warm, evocative visuals of London and gourmet cuisine. Ninnila Ninnila is a heartwarming, gently told love

Music: The soundtrack, composed by Rajesh Murugesan (of Premam fame), features soulful tracks, including a song performed by Nithya Menen herself. Reception & Style

The film is widely regarded as a "feel-good" or "breezy" drama. Critics and audiences praised its:

Subtle Storytelling: Avoiding typical commercial tropes for a more gentle, emotional pace.

Visual Appeal: The high-quality production values and aesthetic portrayal of food.

Performances: Particularly Selvan’s physical transformation and the chemistry between the three leads. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting you Love on a platter

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. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3

Director Ani. I. V. Sasi crafts a mature, slice-of-life love story. The screenplay wisely avoids the usual Telugu commercial tropes (no forced fights, no over-the-top family drama, no item songs). Instead, it focuses on:

The writing is witty, warm, and occasionally profound. The film also touches upon themes of mental health (living with narcolepsy) and physical health (heart conditions) with sensitivity and realism.

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)

Here are the lyrics for the song "Ninnila Ninnila" from the 2021 Telugu movie Tuck Jagadish.

Song Details: