by Sam Trailerman
A first glance at the title of this movie might draw some to harbour an impression that it could be a movie based on the recent terrorist attack in the Indian-administered Kashmir where Pahalgam, a picturesque town in the Himalayas, is often described as the “Switzerland of India”.
That’s not to be so as “Tourist Family” is set further south in colourful Tamil Nadu. It’s a masterfully crafted film that effortlessly weaves a poignant narrative that balances humour and emotional depth.
Written and directed by debutante Abishan Jeevinth, it stars M.Sasikumar, Simran, Mithun Jai Shankar, Kamalesh and Yogi Babu among the cast.
This endearing film portrays kindness without being preachy and it made me grin from ear to ear with jubilation from the start to finish.
The tight performances of the cast kept things light and giggly in the film’s 128-minute run amidst a good IMBD 8.8 rating.
The film starts with Dharmadas (Sasikumar) and his family arriving illegally at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka by boat. It was set during the time of Sri Lanka’s civil unrest many years ago
Abishan wrote with the right tone right from the start when the family is caught by a police officer in Rameswaram. But the cop is overwhelmed by their kindness and bonding. Although they are there illegally, it’s that sentiment and kindness that they carry throughout the story.
The movie is also about a quirky Sri Lankan family seeking a fresh start in India, transfiguring a fragmented community into a vibrant neighbourhood with their irresistible love.
There’s also a lot of humour generated mainly from the family’s Sri Lankan Jaffna Tamil dialect and its members trying to integrate into Chennai’s eco-system by learning Tamil Nadu’s local dialect so as to not raise eyebrows.
Hence, it is also a story of a funny family navigating through unexpected adventures, delivering laughter and warmth in equal measure. The film is an all-round feel-good cinematic experience with a strong, emotional and engaging narrative.
Simran, at 49, still has that slim look with the same grace and energy. Therefore, it’s no wonder she’s recognised as one of the most prolific actresses in Tamil cinema.
Fifty-year-old Sasikumar is best known in the Tamil film industry for his debut in Subramaniapuram (2008), which became a blockbuster.
Sasikumar’s cast as Dharmadas is super brilliant as he always had that de-facto image of a man who can only do good in this world. He brings so much gravitas to the good person role. Anytime you see him on screen, and you know he will be surrounded by goodness.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its ability to transcend borders, languages and religions. The portrayal of compassion, kindness and mutual respect has Tourist Family reminding the audience never to forgo these noble universal values which always bind people together.
Tourist Family has the ability to evoke strong genuine emotions that linger long after the end of the movie. There’s love, compassion and kindness all rolled into one as the director attempts to evoke the days of the past where everyone knew anyone in a village.
A must-watch family movie, I dare say.
WE