A Simple Story, A Big Smile: Why “Tourist Family” Works
This weekend, I did something I’ve never done before — I watched a Tamil movie in theatres. And let me tell you, it was an absolute delight! In a time when larger-than-life mass entertainers dominate our screens (and hey, no complaints — they’re fun too), Tourist Family came in like a breath of fresh, fragrant filter coffee.
I walked into the theatre a little unsure. Would I get all the humour? Would the cultural references fly over my head? Would it be too “local” for me to fully enjoy? But within the first 10 minutes, I knew — this movie wasn’t just made for a Tamil-speaking audience. It was made with warmth, universality, and soul.
A Story with Heart, Not Hype
Tourist Family tells the story of a Sri Lankan family who move to Chennai post-COVID, trying to escape the economic crisis back home. What follows is a heartwarming ride through the everyday trials of adjusting to a new city, finding a new home, handling family tensions, and slowly building a life — one small moment at a time.
Now, if you’re looking for earth-shattering plot twists or high-octane drama, this isn’t that film. But that’s exactly its charm. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else. It embraces its simplicity with confidence — and that sincerity makes it special.
Also Read: Best Tamil Romantic Movies of All Time
The Laughs Are Real. And Relatable.
Let’s talk humour. I was honestly worried I might miss the jokes — my Tamil isn’t great and I wasn’t sure if I’d get the nuances. But nope! The comedy is so well done, so rooted in emotion and character, that it just clicks. There’s a kind of universal humour in awkward family moments, unexpected one-liners, and lovable chaos — and Tourist Family nails it.
Also Read: 10 Best Tamil Comedy Movies of All Time
A lot of the credit goes to the performances, especially the adorable youngest child in the family, Mulli, played by Kamalesh. He’s just a little mischief magnet, and every time he appears, he steals the scene without trying too hard.
Songs That Wrap You in a Hug
Each track by Sean Roland fits beautifully into the narrative — never forced, never out of place. They lift the emotional scenes, make the funny moments even better, and stay with you long after you leave the theatre. You’ll find yourself humming along without even realizing it.
Performances That Feel Just Right
Simran and Sasikumar — oh my heart! The two play a middle-aged couple as a middle-aged couple. No unnecessary de-aging, no pretending to be college sweethearts. They are 50, and they play characters who are 50 — parents to grown-up kids, and yet full of charm, chemistry, and screen presence.
Also Read: Best Comedy Malayalam Movies That Will Live For Ages!
Honestly, it’s so refreshing to see age-appropriate casting done right. It’s empowering in a way — a reminder that actors don’t need to chase youth to stay relevant or magnetic on screen. The pairing of Simran and Shashikumar works so well, and I love that we’re seeing them together at this stage in their careers.
Relationships, Not Just Roles
What touched me the most about Tourist Family is how it handles relationships. Not just within the central family, but with the people around them — neighbours, new friends, strangers who help out. The film makes a quiet but powerful point: kindness matters. And connection matters. In every little scene, that message shines through.
It’s Not a Serious Film. And That’s Its Strength.
Some might argue that Tourist Family doesn’t dive deep into the real struggles of Sri Lankan immigrants — and that’s true. This isn’t a hard-hitting, issue-driven film. It’s not trying to be. What it is, is a warm, generous, feel-good story about family, adjustment, and the joy of small things.
It’s the kind of movie that reminds you why you love going to the movies in the first place — to laugh, to feel, to relate, to remember that there’s good in the world.
Final Thoughts
When the director Abishan Jeevinth said he wanted Tourist Family to be about kindness and love, he wasn’t kidding. That’s exactly what it delivers. I don’t remember laughing this much in a theatre in a long, long time. It was the perfect palate cleanser from the usual action-packed blockbusters — and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Tamil cinema on the big screen.
So if you’re looking for a break from loud plots, from life, from the algorithm — go watch Tourist Family. Go for the laughs. Stay for the heart. Leave with a smile.
I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!
I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!
