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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Tourist Family marks the arrival of a major new voice in Abishan Jeevinth
Every film is political, there is no way a film exists without a political stand. Every film in its own way is making a political statement. In that regard, Tourist Family, the directorial debut of Abishan Jeevinth, is almost too good to be true. It wears its politics with such a light weight of touch that it is impossible not to be swept away in its world filled with people who choose kindness over cynicism, patience over prejudice. That a film like Tourist Family exists, and has managed to resonate so well with audiences in its theatrical run, is quite remarkable. (Also read: Tourist Family movie review: A feel-good entertainer elevated by a stellar Sasikumar and Simran) From here on, the film invests in showing how the members of this colony react to this new additional family. Dharmadas is repeatedly reminded of his strong Eelam (Sri Lankan) Tamil dialect, which is more than enough to give away their secret that they have fled another country without documents. There is no way they can pass themselves as Malayalis. But Dharmadas is a radiant do-gooder, an inexplicably kind-hearted man whose world-view is not tainted with cynicism and despair. He barely gets angry, and along with his family, starts to interact more with the local community steadily. Vasanthi befriends the old couple, Nithu gets along with the house owner's daughter Kural (Yogalakshmi), and Mulli is ever-ready to diffuse a situation with his hilarious antics. Language and cultural identity are deeply intertwined in India. The nexus in which the politics of the state enters the politics of everyday living is almost inescapable, especially in today's day and age. What we say, what we don't say- and the people we choose to avoid are all connected in our everyday politics. Tourist Family confronts this socio-political conformity with a degree of lightness and resolve. Abishan Jeevinth's film is radical in its kindness, where Dharmadas and his kin effectively win over the local community with their humanity and empathy. This is a film that could have been a gritty and relentless in its approach in the hand of someone like Ameer or Vetrimaaran, but in Jeevinth's vision, Kesava Nagar colony is a microcosmic utopian land of sorts. Its inhabitants dare to believe in the kindness of others. In fact, there is no 'othering' of the new family after a point. Dharmadas reveals the truth about his family and the others accept them as their own. The precedence of compassion over rage is so refreshing. This is a film that consciously breaks free from the dominated stereotype of a culture that is rooted in the politics of difference. It works because the Jeevinth never hammers this idea into the film. The conviction that there is an inherent kindness which exists in people is depicted with incredible depth and compassion. Yes, there are scenes which tend to overstay its emotional beats in the second half and become a tad too naive. But even in its moralistic tendencies, there is no denying that Tourist Family is one of the most important films of the year. This is the kind of film that we need and deserve. In Abhishan Jeevinth's perceptive vision, kindness is no less than a superpower. The film marks the arrival of a major cinematic voice in Jeevinth, one rooted in hope and optimism. The whole neighbourhood turns into one beautiful family in its own. I have an inkling Jeevinth is here to stay, and has more stories to share. I also have an inkling that a community like Kesava Nagar Colony can not only exist, but also prosper. Tourist Family is available to watch on JioHotstar.
India Today
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Tourist Family review: Sasikumar-Simran film is all white and pure love
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 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 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 '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 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 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 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
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Tourist Family movie review: Sasikumar, Simran headline a heartwarming and beautiful film about loving thy neighbour
Tourist Family movie review: Our world is very cynical. Everything around us screams cynicism, especially in the social media era where everyone is judged, and everything is scrutinised. Probably why our minds love to forget all of that and watch good things happen to good people on the big screen. Even if it might seem 'cringe' or 'boomer-ish', these films still put a smile on our faces simply because for those couple of hours, we want to feel everything is right and good in this world. It is on this belief that filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani and Radha Mohan plied their wares over the past two decades. Now, in director Abishan Jeevinth's debut film, Tourist Family, we find enough evidence to believe that he is a worthy addition to this list of optimists who make the world go round when the cynics believe the world has stopped. Tourist Family begins without a lot of fuss. There is a Sri Lankan Tamil family that is leaving everything they call home to go to a place where a warm welcome might not be accorded to them. Dharmadas (Sasikumar), his wife Vasanthi (Simran), and their children — Nithushan (Mithun Jai Shankar) and Mulli (Kamalesh Jagan) find their way to Chennai after crossing the borders. Abishan isn't interested in telling how this family of four braved the seas and found their way to Tamil Nadu. He wants us to just accept that it is possible that they came to Rameshwaram, and finally, reached Chennai. And let's be honest, we have accepted a lot more outlandish things in our commercial masala entertainers. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO Nevertheless, Tourist Family isn't a film that wants you to think about logic. That is why, at every moment of the film, which has improbable things unfolding on screen, we still feel invested in the plight of this four-member family. We want good things to happen to them. Why? Simply because they are good people. Dharmadas will stop his journey to Chennai to throw garbage in the bins and not throw them on the road. He will take a break to call an ambulance for a drunk man on the streets. And when Nithushan, who is very cross with his father for uprooting his life in Sri Lanka among other things, asks Vasanthi why his father is wasting his time, she simply says, 'You know your dad, right? That's how he is.' Like any self-respecting feel-good entertainer in Tamil, there are enough characters in the movie that ensure that the 128-minute film hardly dips in the engagement factor. Of course, the family members, especially Kamalesh's Mulli, are just terrific. Full points to not just their performances, but the writing too. Whenever it seems like the happenings are getting dark or taking a rather serious turn, a wonderful humorous punch comes out of nowhere. In fact, there are a few moments of poignancy that can wring more than a tear or two, and these are scenes bookended by some hilarious gags that can definitely lighten the mood. While Abishan never allows a sombre mood to linger, it is slightly disappointing that some of these emotional arcs overstay their welcome. We don't spend enough time with some characters to feel a compelling sense of camaraderie with them. Considering the crisp runtime of the film, there are moments when the focus shifts from the central family for a bit too long. In between all of this, there is a group of policemen coming in search of this family following a bomb blast at Rameshwaram. With this Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads, it is beautiful how the writing flourishes by making it into a whodunnit where the audience knows the family is innocent, and they are waiting for the family to come to terms with the danger coming towards them. This is a wonderful choice of narrative, which is not just intriguing, but also gives the makers enough fodder to conjure humour. That is why it comes as a slight disappointment when the sentimental scenes go overboard, and the prodding music by Sean Roldan misses a trick or two. But make no mistake, this is a terrific album with songs coming at perfect intervals, but the coercive music acts as a dampener in a commercial feel-good film like Tourist Family. What is the true strength of Tourist Family is very clear, which is to make a film that talks about how humanity trumps all, it is beautiful how the film is built on moments… just like life. Of course, not all of these moments play out beautifully, and there are a couple that don't really work organically. But it is interesting to have the variety in place. It is not just about the awesome foursome. It is also about an old couple finding someone new to tell their story. It is about a Sikh family adjusting to the new surroundings. It is about a retired man, who wants his employees to just be honest. It is about a cop who listens, a cop who beats up, a cop who is nonchalant, and people who are in love. Look at the scene where Dharmadas talks about the contentment in his life because of having a stable job, two wonderful kids, and a beautiful wife. There is a lot said and unsaid in the scene, and it best reflects a loving family filled with kids who understand their parents' need for physical intimacy. There is something innately vulnerable in Simran's performance as Vasanthy, who also exudes strength in her silences. After the first few scenes where she does most of the talking, it is her smiles and tears that take care of things through most of the other scenes in the film. She hardly says a line here or a line there, and it is beautiful how Simran brings in quiet dignity to this role. Also, there are a couple of cute references to her filmography that reminds us of her legacy. Sasikumar is brilliant as Dharmadas, and it is interesting how he has become the de-facto image for a man who can only do good in this world. He brings so much gravitas to the role, and it is almost like he makes things easier for the writers because there is no need for separate scenes to show that he is a good person. You see him on screen, and you know he will be surrounded by goodness. The real show-stealers are Kamalesh, Mithun, and Yogalakshmi, who plays Kural, the daughter of the owners of the house where Dharmadas and Co live as tenants. It is through these kids that Tourist Family builds a lot of hilarious moments and cute meet-cutes, which stay long in our hearts. And what stays longer than comedy scenes? It is the emotional scenes, and that's what works heavily in favour of Tourist Family. There is an extended cameo by Abishan in Tourist Family, which does feels like a couple of minutes too long even though he gets the emotions right. It beats around the bush for a while before Kamalesh swoops in to save the day. Even in the scene where Dharmadas and Nithushan finally bury their differences and have an emotional reunion, it almost feels like Abishan pushes the limits of the audience's willing suspension of disbelief, but just as the exasperation kicked in, Kamalesh swoops in to save the day. Tourist Family scores heavily on the humour front, and these moments also make you think of how willing audiences are just to forget everything and laugh with a film. The jokes keep on coming, and they elicit different types of laughter. Some are guffaws, some are chuckles, and some might just bring out a wide smile. Beneath all those jokes, one-liners, and quality gags, there is a loud cry for the world to just be accommodative to the sidelined, and lend an ear to the problems of the oppressed. It simply asks why go out of our way to ostracise when we can just stay in our lanes and embrace our differences. While there are throwaway lines about the Sri Lankan issue, Tourist Family is that kind of a film where differences might not seem magnified, but solutions are utopian. Usually, in films that speak about the refugee crisis, there is a lot of focus on how they come to the new country, how they adapt, and how they find their own place under a seemingly new sun. But Tourist Family is different. It asks people if our differences are so vast that the similarities don't even hit us. It tells people that things could be better if these refugees are allowed the opportunities to thrive, and asks them if they are willing to provide the same. In fact, even today, the cynical world doesn't believe in the adage, 'Innocent until proven guilty,' and goes for the 'Guilty until proven innocent' statement. It is tough to fight against the system, but Tourist Family, much like Radha Mohan films of yore, isn't about guilt or innocence or regret. It aims for a utopia, and in such cases, it is rather interesting to indulge in a battle between absolutism and understanding that the world cannot be painted black and white. The film urges the audience to understand that in a cynical world, the only way forward is in being hopeful. As the credits roll, it is almost like the young Abishan looks at us, and poses an all-important question… 'What will it take to love thy neighbour… even if it is someone from your neighbouring country?' Well… What would you say?
