British Tamil Serial Entrepreneur Vithurs Takes Diaspora Film Tourist Family to the World Stage

Jaffna Born, London Based, Under 30, Eelam Tamil Serial Entrepreneur Vithurs, Takes Diaspora Film “Tourist Family” to the World Stage

There was a buzz in London on May 1st as Tourist Family made its UK debut at Cineworld South Ruislip. But this wasn’t just any premiere — Simran, the evergreen queen of Tamil cinema graced the special screening in person, drawing cheers from excited fans and families.

The emotional Sri Lankan-set drama follows a Tamil family’s dangerous and determined journey toward a new life — a story that resonates deeply with diaspora audiences.

Behind the UK and international release is 29-year-old London-born entrepreneur Vithurs, a proud Eelam Tamil who secured global distribution rights through his venture, Ahimsa Entertainment, who are also distributing at the same time “Retro,” the big budget Kollywood film starring Surya.

Vithurs shared on social media:

“Proud to be distributing TOURIST FAMILY worldwide (excl. India). As an Eelam Tamil, this film is very close to my heart, reflecting the journey of families who left behind the home they once knew and have since found new beginnings across the globe.

Attaching my name to this project isn’t something I take lightly, and I’m absolutely confident it will capture your hearts. Get ready for a wholesome film that blends so much fun, emotion, and an important reminder of what truly matters. You’re really going to love this one!

I laughed, I cried, and I connected with this story on so many levels — it’s truly a gem. I’m not sure we’ll get many films like this anytime soon, so let’s celebrate it wholeheartedly when it arrives. That’s how confident I am.”

The film is also a platform for emerging talent, with 25-year-old debut director Abishan Jeevinth leading the creative team. This next generation of Tamil storytellers is proving that community-rooted cinema can resonate far beyond borders.

While many know Vithurs for his involvement in the film and music industry, he’s also an accomplished serial entrepreneur. One of his ventures, Blessed CBD, made headlines when Canadian cannabis retailer High Tide acquired 80% of the company in a landmark deal worth $12.4 million.

The Thamarai team had the opportunity to interview Vithurs.

Read on for our exclusive interview;

1. You’ve built and invested in mainstream industries — from leading a top UK CBD brand to backing digital marketing and SaaS companies. More recently, you’ve made bold moves into the UK independent Tamil music scene and Kollywood film distribution. What’s driven this shift into South Asian entertainment, and why now?

My move into South Asian entertainment may be “recent”, but the passion and dream comes from childhood.

Growing up in a strict household, I didn’t have much freedom to hang out with friends after school. Instead, my family, especially my Dad, regularly took us to evening cinema shows whenever a Tamil film was playing.

My first cinema experience in the UK was watching Perazhagan starring Suriya in 2004, when I was 9. That film not only made me fall in love with Tamil cinema but also introduced me to Suriya, who instantly became my favourite actor and remains so today.

Back then, Ayngaran was the leading company pioneering Tamil film distribution overseas. I remember seeing their logo at the start of every movie, and it fascinated me.

From that moment, I dreamt of one day releasing Tamil films internationally, seeing my own logo on the big screen. Today, that childhood dream has become a reality.

Similarly, my passion for independent Tamil music began during my childhood when I spent a lot of time at home on my phone due to not being allowed out.

That’s how I discovered the scene, and to begin with, MC SAI’s track “True Faith” at around age 11 — it had such an impact that I must have listened to it thousands of times. From that early age, I told myself it’d be incredible to produce music videos for my favorite artists in the Tamil indie scene.

There’s something deeply fulfilling about turning childhood dreams into reality. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that dreams really do come true if you have the courage to chase them, no matter how big or small. Life rewards those who persistently pursue their passions.

2. This year marks 20 years since the rise of independent Tamil music in the UK. Your involvement has already raised the bar in music video quality and production. Why are you investing in this scene — and what opportunities do you see for British Tamil artists in the next 5 years?

Honestly, my investment in the Tamil indie music scene isn’t driven by profits. Thankfully, my other ventures are thriving, allowing me the privilege to pursue this purely out of passion. Much like cinema, music is a gamble. Some projects connect deeply with audiences, and others don’t — but the passion remains constant.

In my younger days, I saw how incredibly talented Tamil independent artists were, yet their visual presentation of their tracks often didn’t match their musical abilities. Given my experience and resources in film production and cinema, I felt uniquely positioned to bridge that gap. By improving music video quality, I aim to help artists truly shine and showcase their talents to wider global audiences.

Over the next five years, I see enormous potential for Tamil indie artists from UK, Europe, Malaysia, Canada, etc to break into global platforms, particularly gaining recognition back in India. My goal is not just individual success but collective growth — to empower our community, uplift talent, and proudly showcase our vibrant culture worldwide.

3. Tell us about the Vithurs Foundation. What inspired its creation, and why is giving back such a core part of your mission today?

The Vithurs Foundation is special to me. Growing up, I literally came from nothing — life wasn’t always easy or kind.

I won’t delve deeply into my background here, as I’ve openly shared more about my personal journey on a podcast with Irfan’s View. But my challenging upbringing taught me humility and compassion. I always promised myself that if I ever reached a position to help others, I would do so without hesitation.

Giving back is about acknowledging that while life might be generous to some, many others struggle silently. It’s my belief that if we’re blessed enough to help others, it’s our responsibility to do it wholeheartedly.

The Vithurs Foundation serves as my accountability — my personal reminder to always stay grounded, grateful, and committed to helping those in need, big or small.

When we give back, life gives back to us. That, to me, is one of the truest blessings.

4. You started your journey at just 14. Now, as both an entrepreneur and investor, what key lessons have shaped who you are? If you could sit down with your 14-year-old self today, what advice would you give him — not just about business, but about life and purpose?

Reflecting on my journey, several important lessons stand out:

Never forget your roots. Remember every step, every challenge that brought you to where you are today. Stay humble; gratitude keeps you grounded.

Prioritise family time. This is something I still remind myself daily. Life moves quickly. While we focus on our ambitions and goals, our parents and family members age. Money can buy many things, but never health or lost time with loved ones. This is a priority I must continue to reinforce, especially as my schedule grows busier.

Take care of your mental health. As entrepreneurs, we often project strength externally, yet struggle silently internally. Personally, I still face my own mental health battles. It’s essential to acknowledge when you’re not okay and take proactive steps to seek help. Life isn’t a race; slowing down and caring for your mental health is essential, not optional.

Failure isn’t final. Cliche or not, it’s true. Every setback opens doors to new opportunities. Don’t let disappointments discourage you from your journey. Persistence is your greatest ally — always.

If I could sit with my 14-year-old self today, I’d remind him that life will have its ups and downs, but resilience, patience, and humility will guide him. Cherish every moment, value every relationship, and remember that the true measure of success isn’t in financial wealth alone, but in the impact we leave behind.

5. You’ve been open about your father’s struggle with depression and his suicide affecting your own mental health. Around that same time, the feedback you received from Blessed CBD customers helped you find meaning in your work. How has your experience with grief and depression shaped the way you approach mental health — both personally and as a founder? And what would you say to others in the Tamil community who may be silently struggling?

Grief and depression changed me a lot, for the better. I’ve experienced the heaviness of appearing perfectly fine externally while silently crumbling inside. Those darkest moments taught me immense empathy and compassion. Today, mental health is a personal priority, but also a fundamental principle within all my ventures. I actively strive to create supportive environments where openness and vulnerability are encouraged rather than stigmatised.

To those silently struggling, especially in our Tamil community, I understand our cultural hesitance to speak openly about mental health. We’re often taught to remain strong, keep our emotions hidden, and carry burdens alone, especially men. But I’ve learned firsthand that true strength lies in reaching out. You’re not alone, and you shouldn’t suffer silently.

Speaking up and seeking help is one of the bravest, most important steps you can ever take. Mental health struggles aren’t weaknesses; they’re part of being human. Our community must come together, support one another, and break the silence. Always remember that your life matters, your feelings matter, and asking for help can change everything.

6. What’s one game-changing resource—book, podcast, or video—you think every aspiring entrepreneur should check out?

Often, we instinctively look up to celebrities or famous entrepreneurs for motivation, but honestly for me, the biggest inspirations in my life come from the people closest to me — my friends and business partners.

These are people whose journeys I understand deeply, whose daily struggles and victories feel very real to me. Their resilience and creativity genuinely fuel my own ambitions. I think aspiring entrepreneurs should look around their inner circle first; you’ll often find the most powerful and relatable examples of determination and motivation right there.

However, if I had to suggest one game-changing book, it would be “Ego is the Enemy” by Ryan Holiday.

This book changed the way I approach both business and life. One of the greatest lessons I learned was that ego can silently sabotage your growth — whether it’s in relationships, leadership, or personal development.

Understanding the importance of humility, especially when you’re succeeding, helps keep you grounded, open-minded, and continually evolving. It reminded me that genuine success comes not from inflating our self-image, but from learning to manage our egos, embracing criticism, and always staying teachable.

A big thank you to Vithurs for generously sharing his journey and experiences with us.

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