Ninnila Ninnila is a heartwarming Telugu romantic drama that finds its soul in food, love, and healing. The story revolves around Dev (Ashok Selvan), an insomniac and slightly overweight chef plagued with sporadic muscle spasms, who relocates to London to work under the world-renowned chef Nassar. The high-pressure kitchen becomes the stage for quirky encounters and unexpected friendships.

Tara (Ritu Varma), a fellow chef with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), initially finds Dev’s habits unusual but gradually forms a bond with him. Meanwhile, Dev’s past love Maya (Nithya Menen) adds a nostalgic layer that shapes the emotional depth of the film. Through the preparation of dishes ranging from golden-crusted fish to chicken dum biryani, food acts as a medium to mend broken hearts, forge new relationships, and heal emotional wounds.

Highlights
The film’s use of food as a narrative tool is both innovative and heartwarming.
Ashok Selvan’s performance is nuanced and compelling, effortlessly making viewers empathize with Dev.
Nithya Menen’s playful and surreal presence adds a magical charm to the film.
The cinematography and food visuals are captivating, turning the movie into a feast for the eyes.

Drawbacks
The first half is noticeably slow, with long sequences that contribute little to the core story.
Tara’s character arc feels rushed, with her sudden affection for Dev lacking natural buildup.
Some dialogues, particularly Nithya Menen’s dubbing, feel slightly off at times.

Verdict
Ninnila Ninnila is a soulful, heartwarming love story where the magic of food mirrors the emotions of its characters. Though the pacing in the first half may test patience, the film blossoms beautifully in the latter half, delivering endearing performances, mouthwatering visuals, and an emotionally satisfying conclusion.