Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Queer coming-of-age story has violence, discrimination.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Funny Boy
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In FUNNY BOY, young Tamil boy Arjie (Arush Nand) is beginning to explore his sexuality. While his father tries to quash his "girly tendencies," his free-spirited aunt Radha (Agam Darshi) shares secret make-up sessions and encourages his individuality. As he moves into his teenage 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?
Working from Shyam Selvaduri's same-named novel, director Deepa Mehta 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, Funny Boy is engrossing at every turn. Mehta uses a poignant technique of momentarily using the older actor in childhood scenes so he can witness his own past, beautifully connecting the journey. 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 Radha, 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. But the atrocities of the civil war are very much a backdrop here, impacting the story throughout. The movie has also drawn 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 soars.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Funny Boy depicts the challenges that 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 can you 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 language—including homophobic slurs. Does it seem necessary or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie?
How is gender explored within the movie? In what ways does Arjie challenge the gender norms and expectations around him? What's the result of his "different" behavior?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 10, 2020
- Cast : Arush Nand , Brandon Ingram , Agam Darshi
- Director : Deepa Mehta
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : ARRAY Releasing
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 12, 2026
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