Before Annapoorani’s release, stream these 5 Indian food movies on OTT

Jawan star Nayanthara will be seen essaying the role of an aspiring chef in the upcoming comedy drama film, Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food. Helmed by debutant director Nilesh Krishnaa, the movie’s trailer features Nayanthara as a brahmin girl, who hails from an orthodox family. Although she aspires to become a chef, her parents seem to be against it. The movie is slated to hit the theatres on December 1.

Following her dreams, Nayanthara’s character enrols herself in a cooking class, while her parents believe that she is doing her MBA. However, the course of her life changes after she meets with an accident. The aspiring chef can be seen questioning her confidence in her dreams, but later decides to participate in a cooking competition to become one of India’s best chefs. 

Going by the trailer, Annapoorani seems to be an emotionally charged film. The cast also includes Jai, Redin Kingsley, Sathyaraj and Karthik Kumar. This also marks Nayanthara’s 75th film, and is sure to impress those who enjoy the art of cooking.

Here are five Indian films that revolve around food and the art of cooking: 

1. Ustad Hotel (Malayalam)

Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar

This cult film delved into Malayali audiences’ hearts through a delightful culinary journey and heartwarming relationship between a grandfather and his grandson. The movie stars Dulquer Salmaan, Thilakan and Nithya Menon. From saffron-infused milk for a newborn to traditional snacks during a prospective bride-to-be’s visit, Anwar Rasheed-directed Ustad Hotel, penned by Anjali Menon, is a heartwarming story behind the secret recipes of Kareemkka’s (Thilakan) biryani and Suleimani (black tea). The plot revolves around Faizi (Dulquer), an aspiring chef who returns to his hometown when he fails to get his father’s support. He tries to fulfil his dream by helping his grandfather, Kareem, run his hotel. The heartwarming bond between the grandson and grandfather unfolds as Faizi learns valuable life lessons, pursues his passion for cooking and experiences love along the journey.

2. Nala Damayanthi (Tamil)

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

The R Madhavan starrer comedy drama film Nala Damayanthi, directed by TSBK Moulee, is a fun ride that follows Nala (Madhavan), a cooking expert from a village, who moves to Australia to earn a living. However, things go sour when he encounters a number of trails. A solution comes up when Damayanthi (Geetu Mohandas), a free-spirited biker, agrees to marry the docile cook for a price. The film is a laugh riot, featuring Madhavan as a naive cook, who wins over Geetu’s character through his cooking.

3. Salt N’ Pepper (Malayalam)

Streaming on: Sun NXT

Revolving around food, Salt N’ Pepper is a romcom, directed by Aashiq Abu. The story follows Kalidasan (Lal), a foodie who receives a phone call one day which is not intended for him. He finds out that the person on the other end, Maya (Shweta Menon), is also fond of food and cooking. Soon they develop feelings for each other. This is one of the few movies that mainly centres around food and takes you on an exploration of Kerala’s favourite delicacies - ranging from Thattil Kutti Dosa, Unniyappams, rainbow cakes and fried bananas. It also makes a commentary on single women and sexism at the workplace.

4. Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (Hindi)

Streaming on: Apple TV

This 2012 film, directed by Sameer Sharma, could easily mirror the story of any Punjabi family managing a well-known restaurant. Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana follows Omi Khurana (Kunal Kapoor), who goes back to India after being deceived by a gangster in London. When he finds out that his family’s old restaurant is in a crisis, he decides to rediscover a secret recipe that will change their fortunes. The film highlights how shared moments over a sizzling kadhai filled with freshly prepared gravy can make strong connections. Additionally, the movie outlines the notion that preparing exceptional recipes requires both time and a level of brilliance that cannot be easily duplicated.

5. English Vinglish (Hindi)

Streaming on: JioCinema

Shashi, played by the late Sridevi, is an unforgettable character in Indian cinema. English Vinglish is a comedy drama film, helmed by Gauri Shinde, which narrates the story of a housewife who makes scrumptious laddoos, and is trying her hand at entrepreneurship. She is mocked by her family for her lack of English communication skills. However, Shashi rediscovers herself and becomes a confident woman over the length of a four-week English speaking course. The film sheds light on not just the art of cooking but a heartwarming message on self-discovery, encouraging diversity and much more.

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