Tourist Family review: Sasikumar-Simran film is all white and pure love

India Today

01-05-2025

Tired of watching guns, gore and blood splashing all over the big screen? Are you obsessed with films featuring hardcore action and violence and looking for a breather? Have you ever thought about wanting to watch a no-fuss film that reminds you to look for goodness in people? If a film can put a smile on your face this weekend and offer you some respite, it is director Abishan Jeevinth's 'Tourist Family'.Dharmadas (Sasikumar), the epitome of ever-helping Mr Goody Two-Shoes, and his wife Vasanthi (Simran), along with their two children Nithushan (Mithun Jai Sankar) and Mulli (Kamalesh) are Sri Lankan natives who illegally hop on a boat to enter India. They end up in Dhanushkodi, only to be caught by the police. But, the innocence and sharp presence of mind of Mulli help them escape.For Dharmadas and their family, leaving Sri Lanka was a difficult yet desperate decision for survival. As he struggles to find a job to make ends meet, a group of policemen are on the lookout for Sri Lankan families, who they suspect of planning and executing a bomb blast. Will the neighbours find out about Dharmadas and the family's identity? Will the police accuse them of being terrorists? Will they be able to prove their innocence? 'Tourist Family' gives answers to these questions in two hours and 10 minutes.Remember the days when director Radha Mohan's films screamed feel-good entertainers? In an era where films are all about high-octane action, movies like these make you forget the fast-paced, hate-filled world we're living in. Director Abishan Jeevinth's 'Tourist Family' is one such film that fills your heart with joy, despite its convenient writing. The world of 'Tourist Family' is all white and pushes you to be one too. advertisementDharmadas is a good man. Even though he has entered Tamil Nadu as a refugee in search of a new home, he makes a pitstop to help a man who everyone perceives to be drunk. The innate goodness that you see in Dharmadas and his family members brings a change in their neighbours - because happiness is contagious. 'Tourst Family' is an ode to the saying. The film keeps reiterating that not everyone in this world deserves to be treated with suspicion. In today's world, we're often made to believe that if someone is being nice, they must have ulterior motives.But, 'Tourist Family' tries hard to prove that people can be nice, because that's how they are. Just like how Vasanthi says that her husband is one such man. The film highlights a beautiful relationship between parents of two and how their romance is still alive. Even the father-son conflict is resolved through dialogue and ends on a humorous note, thanks to young Kamalesh.That said, 'Tourist Family' is not without its flaws. At times, the screenplay is overly convenient, forcing you to buy what unfolds on screen. But, whenever that happens, director Abishan packs it with funny setups that make you laugh out loud. The film taps into emotional beats and gives a glimpse of different characters living in the area, which adds depth to the story.What works the best in 'Tourist Family' is its nature to make even the most emotional moments fun with its humour. Sasikumar is more than perfect as Dharmadas and Simran, as Vasanthi, brings joy and sadness through her performance. The little tribute to Simran's classic 'Aalthotta Bhupathi' added a nice touch to the film. Mithun Jai Sankar brought in a nuanced performance as a man in his 20s, who genuinely wants to lend a helping hand to his struggling father.advertisement
But, it is child artiste Kamalesh who steals the show with his effervescent performance. He makes you laugh your heart out more than once, especially the 'Mambattiyan' sequence. The supporting roles by MS Bhaskar, Ramesh Thilak and others enhanced the film's mood.'Tourist Family' is an emotionally rewarding film with great humour.3 out of 5 stars to 'Tourist Family'. Must Watch