Okay, so I watched Tourist Family (2025) last weekend, and wow, it’s been living rent-free in my head since! This Tamil drama-thriller, directed by first-timer Abishan Jeevinth, stars M. Sasikumar, Simran, Mithun Jai Shankar, Kamalesh Jagan, and Yogi Babu. It’s about a Sri Lankan Tamil family trying to start over in Chennai while dodging trouble. Clocking in at 126 minutes, it’s got heart, laughs, and some nail-biting moments, but it’s not perfect. Here’s my take on why I loved it, even with its flaws.
What’s the Story?
The movie follows Dharmadas (Sasikumar), his wife Vasanthi (Simran), and their sons Nithushan (Mithun) and Mulli (Kamalesh), who sneak into Chennai from Sri Lanka after escaping some heavy stuff back home. They’re undocumented, so they’re always looking over their shoulder, especially when a bomb blast in Rameshwaram makes the cops suspicious of Sri Lankan folks. It’s less about the thriller vibes and more about how this family finds their place in a new city, thanks to kind neighbors and a lot of grit.
I was really moved by how the movie shows what it’s like to feel out of place but still find people who’ve got your back. It’s got this vibe like Ayothi or Mozhi, where it’s all about human kindness winning out. Plus, it gently nudges you to think about not judging people too fast. There’s a bit of romance and some solid humor too, which keeps things light when it could’ve gotten too heavy.
The Cast Is Everything
Sasikumar as Dharmadas? Absolute king. He’s this tough, loving dad who’s trying to hold it all together, and he’s so good you feel every worry and hope he’s got. There’s this drunk scene that had me choking up—it’s just so raw. Simran as Vasanthi is amazing too; she’s the backbone of the family, and you can see the love and strength in every look she gives. Together, they’re like that couple you know who just get each other.
The kids are awesome too. Kamalesh Jagan as Mulli is a total riot—his one-liners had me cracking up, and he’s got this natural charm that lights up the screen. I’m calling it now: this kid’s gonna be a star. Mithun Jai Shankar as Nithushan does great with his emotional scenes, but I wish they’d given him more to work with. Yogi Babu as Prakash brings the laughs without stealing the show, which is a nice change—he just fits right in.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
Let’s talk about what worked. The heart of this movie is huge. There’s this one 15-minute chunk where the family’s fighting, crying, and then laughing together, and it felt so real, like I was eavesdropping on my own relatives. The humor mostly lands—Kamalesh and Yogi Babu are gold—and the suspense of whether they’ll get caught keeps you glued. It’s short and sweet, doesn’t drag, and the ending left me with the biggest smile. Sean Roldan’s songs are super catchy too, totally setting the mood.
But, yeah, it’s not perfect. The start is kinda rocky—some of the early jokes feel forced, and I was like, “Uh, is this supposed to be funny?” They also skip showing the family’s scary boat trip from Sri Lanka, which felt like a missed chance to make their struggle hit harder. A few things happen too easily, like Dharmadas snagging a job out of nowhere, and some scenes get so sappy with the loud music that I rolled my eyes. Oh, and it sometimes wanders away from the family for too long, which threw me off.
The Look and Feel
The visuals are warm and cozy, like you’re hanging out in their Chennai neighborhood. The Sri Lankan Tamil dialect they use feels so authentic, which I loved. The music, though? It’s a mixed bag. The songs are great, but the background score can get way too dramatic, like it’s begging you to cry, and I wasn’t always in the mood for that.
Wrapping It Up
Tourist Family is the kind of movie that makes you feel good about people, even when the world’s a mess. It’s got some rough patches—the shaky start, a few predictable moments, and that over-the-top music—but the story and the cast totally make up for it. Sasikumar and Simran are phenomenal, and Kamalesh is a breakout star. I walked out feeling warm and hopeful, and I’d say it’s perfect for a family movie night if you want laughs, tears, and a big dose of heart.
My Rating: 3.5/5
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