Funny Boy

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Funny Boy
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Funny Boy is a coming-of-age story -- set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war -- about a young boy exploring his homosexuality in a country where it is illegal. The story follows the life of Arjie (played at first by Arush Nand and later by Brandon Ingram), a Tamil boy, as he comes to terms with first being gay and then falling in love with a Sinhalese classmate. There is some nudity and characters are seen laying in bed together after sex. Racist behavior is depicted by both Tamil and Sinhalese characters, as well as fatal violence as factions of both sides clash. This includes characters being stabbed and left in pools of blood. There is also some examples of bullying and references to rape. Occasional strong language is used, including "f---ing" and "bastards," as well as homophobic terms. The movie touches upon gender roles and cultural traditions including arranged marriage. Cigarettes are smoked on a few occasions. While the movie includes many adult themes, it also has warm and uplifting scenes, as well as moments of humor. The movie is in Tamil, Sinhalese, and English, with subtitles.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In FUNNY BOY, young Tamil boy, Arjie (Arush Nand), is beginning to explore his sexuality. While his father attempts to quash his "girly tendencies," his free-spirited aunt shares secret make-up sessions and encourages his individuality. As he moves into his teenaged years, Arjie (now played by Brandon Ingram) falls for his Sinhalese classmate Shehan (Rehan Mudannayake) -- a relationship doomed both due to the illegality of homosexuality and the tensions between the two ethnicities during a time of civil war.
Is It Any Good?
Adapted from Shyam Selvaduri's novel of the same name, director Deepa Mehta's imbues the story of a boy coming of age against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war with warmth and humor. With both young and older Arjie (Nand and Ingram) delivering intimate, captivating performances -- alongside the poignant technique of momentarily switching the young and old actors to connect the journey -- the movie is engrossing at every turn. Early scenes are rich with color and a sense of near-freedom, as Arjie dresses as a bride with his friends and later shares secrets and make-up sessions with his free-spirited aunt (Agam Darshi) who teaches him that nobody messes with "the grand diva."
As the movie develops, similar abandon is seen in scenes with Arjie's boyfriend, Shehan, as the two bond over Western music and dance naked together, full of joy. While impacting on the story throughout, the atrocities of the civil war are very much a backdrop here. The movie has caused some controversy in its portrayal of the Tamil experience, as well as the decision to cast non-Tamil actors in Tamil parts, some of whom struggled with the language. Yet, as a story of burgeoning sexuality and self-discovery, amid familial, cultural, and political turmoil, Funny Boy truly soars.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Funny Boy depicts the challenges Arjie faces growing up. Is the movie respectful of and empathetic to his situation? Does it give viewers a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces that shape his life? Do you think Arjie would face the same challenges today?
Discuss the violence in the movie. What role does war play in the story? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
How does the movie convey themes of courage, curiosity and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
Discuss the some of the language -- including homophobic slurs -- used. Does it seem necessary or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie?
How is gender explored within the movie?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 10, 2020
- Cast: Arush Nand, Brandon Ingram, Agam Darshi
- Director: Deepa Mehta
- Studio: ARRAY Releasing
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Courage, Curiosity, Perseverance
- Run time: 109 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love coming-of-age stories
Character Strengths
Find more movies that help kids build character.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate