By IDTeam“Cooku with Comali” has become a beloved Tamil-language reality cooking show since its debut in 2019. Airing on Star Vijay, the program uniquely blends culinary challenges with comedy, pairing celebrity contestants with comedians, referred to as “Comalis.” This combination has garnered widespread acclaim for its entertainment value and innovative format.
Show Theme and Format
In “Cooku with Comali,” each episode features celebrity participants teaming up with Comalis, who are comedians tasked with introducing humorous obstacles during the cooking process. The pairs engage in various culinary tasks, including:
- Advantage Task: A preliminary challenge where teams compete to gain a benefit for the main cooking task.
- Main Task: The central cooking challenge, often accompanied by specific themes or constraints, where the advantage from the earlier task can be utilized.
- Immunity/Elimination Task: Depending on their performance, teams may face tasks that offer immunity from elimination or determine which team will leave the competition.
The show is judged by renowned chefs who evaluate the dishes based on taste, presentation, and creativity. The blend of culinary expertise and comedic antics has made “Cooku with Comali” a standout in reality television.
List of Seasons, Winners, Runners-up, Judges, Hosts
| Season | Duration | Winner | Runner-up | Judges | Hosts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 2019 – Feb 2020 | Vanitha Vijayakumar | Uma Riyaz Khan | Chef Damodharan, Chef Venkatesh Bhat | Rakshan, Aranthangi Nisha |
| 2 | Nov 2020 – Apr 2021 | Kani Thiru | Shakeela | Chef Damodharan, Chef Venkatesh Bhat | Rakshan |
| 3 | Jan 2022 – Jul 2022 | Shruthika Arjun | Darshan | Chef Damodharan, Chef Venkatesh Bhat | Rakshan |
| 4 | Jan 2023 – Jul 2023 | Mime Gopi | Srushti Dange | Chef Damodharan, Chef Venkatesh Bhat | Rakshan, Manimegalai |
| 5 | Feb 2024 – Aug 2024 | Priyanka Deshpande | Sujitha | Chef Damodharan, Chef Madhampatty Rangaraj | Rakshan, Manimegalai |
Cooku with Comali Season 1 (2019–2020):
The inaugural season introduced audiences to the show’s unique format. Vanitha Vijayakumar emerged as the winner, showcasing impressive culinary skills alongside her Comali partner. Uma Riyaz Khan secured the runner-up position. The season was judged by Chef Damodharan and Chef Venkatesh Bhat, with Rakshan and Aranthangi Nisha hosting.
Cooku with Comali Season 2 (2020–2021):
Building on the success of the first season, the second installment saw Kani Thiru clinch the title, demonstrating exceptional cooking abilities and chemistry with her Comali partner. Veteran actress Shakeela was the runner-up. The judging panel remained the same, while Rakshan continued as the sole host.
Cooku with Comali Season 3 (2022):
The third season featured a fresh batch of contestants and Comalis, with Shruthika Arjun winning the competition. Darshan finished as the runner-up. The judges, Chef Damodharan and Chef Venkatesh Bhat, returned to evaluate the culinary creations, and Rakshan resumed hosting duties.
Cooku with Comali Season 4 (2023):
This season introduced new challenges and dynamics, with Mime Gopi taking home the winner’s trophy. Srushti Dange was the runner-up. The judging duo of Chef Damodharan and Chef Venkatesh Bhat continued their roles, while Manimegalai joined Rakshan as a co-host, adding a new flavor to the show’s presentation.
Cooku with Comali Season 5 (2024):
The latest season crowned Priyanka Deshpande as the winner, with Sujitha as the runner-up. Chef Damodharan was joined by Chef Madhampatty Rangaraj on the judging panel, bringing fresh perspectives to the evaluations. Rakshan and Manimegalai co-hosted, maintaining the show’s signature blend of humor and culinary excitement.
Conclusion
“Cooku with Comali” has successfully carved a niche in the realm of reality television by combining the art of cooking with comedy. Each season brings together a diverse group of celebrities and comedians, resulting in a delightful mix of flavors and laughter. The show’s innovative format and engaging content have resonated with audiences, making it a staple in Tamil entertainment. As “Cooku with Comali” continues to evolve, it promises to deliver more culinary delights and comedic moments in the seasons to come.