The new Tamil family movie Tourist Family has been well appreciated in theatres. It is now available to watch on Jio Hotstar, and you can also hear it in Telugu. So, is it worth your time? Let’s get started with our review.
The story:
As inflation gets worse in Sri Lanka, Dharmadas (Sasikumar), his wife Vasanthi (Simran), and their two kids, Nithushan (Mithun Jai Sankar) and Mulli (Kamalesh Jagan), cross the border into Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. A relative named Prakash (Yogi Babu) helps them out, and they find a place to live in Kesava Nagar Colony, where they rent from a local inspector named Raghavan (Bagavathi Perumal). As things start to calm down, a bomb goes off in the city, and Sri Lankans are blamed. What comes next is a web of doubt, survival, and self-esteem. Who is this family, really? Will the cops go after them? And what do the people around them do? This story, which is based on feelings, reveals the solutions.
Plus Point:
The best thing about Tourist Family is how easy it is to understand. This clean, honest, and family-friendly movie feels new in a world where there is a lot of violence, swearing, and over-dramatization. You can watch this movie with anyone without feeling bad or worried.
Sasikumar does a great job as Dharmadas. His calm power, controlled demeanour, and convincing reactions draw you into his world. Simran plays Vasanthi with grace and dignity, and it’s not a “dabba” part at all. As a mother dealing with uncertainty, she does a good job of holding her space.
Kamalesh Jagan as Mulli is the best of the youngsters. His presence feels like a gentle rain on parched earth. He’s clever, funny, and naturally charming, bringing life to every scene he’s in.
Yogi Babu makes people laugh at the right times without ruining the mood. M S Bhaskar, as always, adds subtle depth, illustrating that you don’t have to be arrogant to be serious. The supporting cast fits in perfectly, making the world feel real.
The movie gets the emotions perfectly. Whether it’s the death of an old lady, a teary father-son moment, or a speech from an ignored resident of the colony, these scenes are heartfelt and relatable, especially for middle-class viewers who’ve lived through similar realities.
Minus Points:
That said, the story is very simple. If you’re looking for high-stakes drama or unexpected twists, this might feel too straightforward.
Nithushan, played by Mithun Jai Sankar, doesn’t leave as much of a mark as Mulli. His character arc lacks weight, and the hinted romantic track with Yogalakshmi’s character Kural is left underdeveloped. If that angle had been explored, it could’ve connected better with younger viewers.
Simran’s role, while respectable, could’ve been fleshed out more to leave a stronger emotional impact.
Technical Aspects:
Debutant director Abishan Jeevinth handles the story with surprising maturity. His emotional writing is the standout, taking a modest plot and shaping it with feeling and care.
Cinematographer Aravind Viswanathan captures the atmosphere of the colony well, giving it a grounded, lived-in feel. Sean Roldan’s music is a major highlight, and the score enhances every emotional turn without being overbearing.
Editor Barath Vikraman keeps the film crisp at just around two hours, never letting it feel stretched. The production values are simple but solid, helping the film stay rooted in reality. The dubbing work is neat, and the voices suit the characters well, making it easy for Telugu audiences to connect without feeling like a dubbed film.
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Verdict:
On the whole, Tourist Family is a heartfelt slice-of-life drama that makes its mark quietly but surely. With a simple premise, well-placed emotions, and sincere performances, it’s a film that reminds us of the beauty in everyday stories. Sasikumar’s subtlety, Simran’s grace, and the film’s emotional fabric come together to offer a wholesome watch. Sure, it has its small drawbacks, but they hardly take away from the overall experience. Watch it with your loved ones. You’ll walk away with a smile, and maybe a lump in your throat too.
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