Being Human !

Being Human : My quick take on Tamil movie “Tourist Family” – A Whiff of Fresh Air After a Massy Storm

After watching the typical Tamil mass potboiler Retro a few days back – all punch lines, power cuts, and plot twists – Tourist Family felt like a whiff of fresh air. A pleasant, soul-soothing change, almost like watching a beautiful, author-backed Malayalam film — subtle, emotional, and deeply rooted in human connection.

This plain vanilla ride takes you back to the storytelling style of Ramesh Sippy / Aziz Mirza’s Buniyaad or Nukkad, where simplicity met sincerity, and characters came with real emotions — not just stylized poses.

At its heart is a Jaffna-based Tamil family, smuggling themselves into India in pursuit of a better future. In today’s context, where illegal immigrants are being identified and deported, this film boldly walks a sensitive line — but does so with empathy, grace, and a clear intent to focus on people, not politics.

The real heart of the movie lies in the subtle difference between an Indian Tamil and a Sri Lankan Tamil accent. This cultural nuance forms the backbone of several comic and emotional moments. Unfortunately, since I watched the Hindi dubbed version, that subtlety was lost — and with it, much of the associated humor fell flat. The Hindi dubbing could have been better, especially in capturing tonal differences and regional flavor.

That said, the performances shine throughout.

•Sasikumar, as the father and selfless Good Samaritan, plays the part to the hilt. His quiet dignity and internal strength ground the film beautifully. (Need to watch his other movies now)

•Simran, as his wife, brings gravitas and poise, reminding us why she remains such a powerhouse of subtle acting.

•The family is rounded off by two boys — and it’s the younger son, played by Kamalesh Jagan, who steals the show. He’s effortless, expressive, and will remind you of a young Junior Mehmood — innocent, lively, and lovable.

Best of all, the film’s Nukkad-like neighbourhood is a delightful ensemble in itself. Every character — from “khadus” neighbours to kind strangers — brings something genuine to the screen. It’s a community we feel a part of. It’s a world we don’t want to leave.

And here’s the real magic — there are no villains. Just humans, navigating life with their flaws and hopes. In a time when conflict often drives the plot, it’s refreshing to sit through a film where kindness is the hero.

Take a bow, dear writer, for crafting such a heartfelt, humane narrative.

Overall, A grounded, feel-good, old-school cinematic journey with new-age relevance. Watch it with your family — and you just might end up hugging them tighter.

Now streaming on JioCinema / Hotstar.