The Tamil reality-comedy cooking landscape has been electrified once again with the premiere of Top Cooku Dupe Cooku Season 2, which debuted on 17 August 2025 on Sun TV and digitally via Sun NXT. The show, a playful spin on the popular “Cooku with Comali” format, combines culinary competition with a generous dose of humor, offering viewers a unique blend of gastronomic creativity and entertainment. With Chef Venkatesh Bhat and Chef Rammohan presiding as judges and VJ Rakesh alongside Sivaangi Krishnakumar hosting, Season 2 promises to elevate the stakes while keeping audiences thoroughly amused.
Production and Format
Produced by Media Masons and broadcast under the Sun TV Network, Top Cooku Dupe Cooku follows a bi-weekly airing schedule, with pre-recorded episodes premiering every Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM IST. Beyond traditional television, the show caters to the growing digital audience, with episodes available for streaming on Sun NXT and subsequently released on YouTube, ensuring accessibility to viewers worldwide.
The format is a clever combination of cooking prowess and improvisational comedy, where celebrity contestants (“Top Cookus”) are paired with “Dupe Cookus,” who bring unpredictability and amusement to the kitchen. The mentor-chef teams guide the contestants through challenges while navigating chaotic scenarios designed to test patience, creativity, and adaptability.
The Cast: Star Power Meets Culinary Curiosity
The contestants for Season 2 come from diverse entertainment backgrounds, adding layers of intrigue and relatability for the audience. The Top Cookus include actors, comedians, content creators, and performers, all of whom bring their unique personalities into the kitchen.
- Besant Ravi, the ultimate show-stopper, is an actor and stunt choreographer known for antagonistic supporting roles in Tamil, Hindi, and several other Indian-language films. His blend of physical agility and strategic thinking made him a formidable competitor.
- Delna Davis, a familiar face from Tamil and Malayalam television and film, brought a mix of charm and meticulous planning.
- Kiran Rathod, recognized for roles in films such as Gemini (2002) and Anbe Sivam (2003), contributed her cinematic poise to the high-pressure kitchen environment.
- Preetha, celebrated for the mini-series Kadhaipoma, showcased an innate sense of timing and patience.
- Shivani Narayanan, known for her Bigg Boss 4 stint and numerous television appearances, added a spirited presence.
- Robo Shankar, a stand-up comedian and actor, injected the competition with laughter and unpredictability.
- TSR Srinivasan, with his versatile acting background including roles in Sethupathi (2016) and Ayali (2023), offered both strategy and comic relief.
- Vaaheesan Rasaiya, a Sri Lankan-born singer, brought melodious energy and an artistic flair to his culinary creations.
- Priyanka, a seasoned television actress, completed the ensemble with her balanced approach to both cooking and camaraderie.
The Dupe Cookus — the unpredictable kitchen companions — featured personalities such as Adhirchi Arun, Dheena, Meenakshi Raveendran, Monisha Blessy, VJ Nikki, Adithya Kathir, Bharath, Lakshmi Patti, Kamalesh Jagan, GP Muthu, Mukund, Manish, and Rapper Vijay, each selected for their ability to bring comedy, chaos, and surprise to the competition.
Mentorship and Team Dynamics
A key differentiator of Top Cooku Dupe Cooku is its mentor-chef system, which pairs Top Cookus with professional chefs who provide guidance, feedback, and strategy. In Season 2, the teams were arranged as follows:
- Chef Adrian: Delna, Kiran, Robo
- Chef Cheruba: Preetha, Priyanka, Vaaheesan
- Chef Sai: Ravi, Shivani, TSR
This mentorship approach adds a layer of narrative intrigue, as the interaction between mentors and mentees influences both the creative output and interpersonal dynamics within the show. The chefs balance authority and humor, ensuring that lessons are as entertaining as they are instructional.
Episode Structure and Challenges
Season 2 followed a weekly elimination format spanning 18 weeks, with episodes featuring thematic challenges, timed cooking rounds, and improvisational tasks designed to test contestants’ skills under pressure. From replicating complex dishes to improvising with unusual ingredients, contestants had to balance speed, taste, and creativity — all while managing the antics of their Dupe Cookus, whose unpredictable interventions added a layer of comic chaos.
Highlights of the season included:
- Week 1–4: Initial challenges focused on establishing rapport with Dupe Cookus, where contestants were judged on teamwork as well as culinary skill.
- Week 5–8: The introduction of thematic dishes and timed cook-offs increased stakes, with some contestants struggling to manage both comedy and precision.
- Week 9–12: Mid-season eliminations began to intensify tension. TSR Srinivasan and Priyanka were evicted, reflecting the brutal competition under the mentoring system.
- Week 13–14: Shivani Narayanan’s exit marked a turning point, highlighting the competitive and unpredictable nature of the show.
- Week 15–18: The finale weeks showcased dramatic culinary showdowns, with Besant Ravi ultimately crowned Winner, while Preetha, Delna, Kiran, and Vaaheesan secured runner-up positions.
The season finale was not just a contest of culinary skill but also a celebration of personality, humor, and resilience. Ravi’s win was a testament to his ability to maintain composure, demonstrate skill under pressure, and adapt creatively to unexpected challenges.
Humor, Chaos, and Cultural Impact
The essence of Top Cooku Dupe Cooku lies in its hybrid format, where humor and unpredictability are as important as technical skill. The Dupe Cookus’ antics — from sabotaging dishes to whimsical improvisation — inject a level of chaos that both challenges and entertains. This unique blend resonates strongly with Tamil audiences, reflecting a cultural appreciation for lighthearted competition, witty improvisation, and the celebration of skill and perseverance.
Moreover, the show leverages the charisma of its celebrity contestants. By incorporating popular television actors, comedians, and singers, the program fosters a connection with viewers that transcends standard reality formats. Fans are emotionally invested not only in who wins but also in the relationships, humor, and personal growth exhibited over the season.
Audience Reception and Digital Footprint
Top Cooku Dupe Cooku S2 has captured significant viewership on both television and digital platforms. Airing on Sun TV’s prime weekend slots ensures a large household audience, while availability on Sun NXT and YouTube caters to the growing preference for on-demand viewing. Social media platforms buzz with fan discussions, memes, and commentary on both culinary creations and Dupe Cookus’ antics, highlighting the show’s integration into Tamil pop culture.
The combination of comedy, cooking, and celebrity engagement has sparked a new wave of interest in Tamil reality shows, positioning Top Cooku Dupe Cooku as a cultural phenomenon. Memorable moments — such as Bingley’s strategic use of ingredients or Robo Shankar’s comic improvisations — have gone viral, amplifying the show’s digital presence.
Comparison with Original Cooku with Comali
While inspired by Cooku with Comali, Top Cooku Dupe Cooku differentiates itself through its format modifications and regional flavor:
- The Dupe Cookus are explicitly disruptive, with intentional comedic interventions that challenge contestants in unorthodox ways.
- The mentorship teams create a narrative arc of growth and guidance, making the progression of contestants a central storyline.
- By featuring celebrities from across the entertainment spectrum, the show emphasizes personality-driven engagement alongside culinary skill.
This adaptation has resonated with audiences who appreciate a Tamil cultural lens and the infusion of humor that aligns with local sensibilities, rather than a direct replication of the original show.
Memorable Moments and Highlights
Season 2 was rich with moments that captured both humor and tension:
- Besant Ravi’s final showdown demonstrated not only culinary mastery but also strategic patience, balancing mentorship advice with improvisation in chaotic scenarios.
- Delna Davis’ innovative dish recreations reflected technical skill and artistic flair, earning praise from judges and fans alike.
- Comic chaos moments: Robo Shankar and TSR Srinivasan frequently pushed contestants to their limits with unpredictable interventions, creating some of the season’s most viral and shared clips.
- Mentor-Chef banter: Chef Adrian, Chef Cheruba, and Chef Sai provided witty commentary while guiding contestants, enhancing both narrative depth and entertainment value.
Judges and Hosts: Guiding and Entertaining
The dual hosting by VJ Rakesh and Sivaangi Krishnakumar brought an energetic, playful dynamic to the show. Their interactions with contestants, Dupe Cookus, and judges created continuity and a conversational rhythm that balanced chaos with structure.
Meanwhile, Chef Venkatesh Bhat and Chef Rammohan brought authority and expertise to the panel, offering constructive critique, humorous commentary, and strategic advice. Their dual approach — blending professional guidance with entertainment — ensured the show remained informative without losing its comedic edge.
Conclusion: Top Cooku Dupe Cooku S2 as a Cultural Milestone
Top Cooku Dupe Cooku Season 2 has cemented itself as more than just a reality TV show; it has become a cultural touchstone in Tamil entertainment. Combining humor, high-stakes competition, and celebrity engagement, the show demonstrates the versatility and appeal of the hybrid reality-comedy-cooking format. Its success highlights evolving audience preferences, where entertainment, relatability, and interactivity converge.
With a strong digital presence, memorable personalities, and a winning formula of chaos-meets-culinary mastery, Top Cooku Dupe Cooku continues to define Tamil weekend television. As fans eagerly await further seasons, one thing is certain: this show is a recipe for laughter, skill, and unforgettable moments.