Arush Nand as young Arjie in “Funny Boy.” (Courtesy of ARRAY) When Deepa Mehta makes a new film, there’s bound to be tension. Not behind-the-scenes personality scuffle type of tension.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — When it comes to Tamil comedy with a Malay twist, one name tickles Malaysians’ funny bones — Shanthesh Kumar Sukumaran, better known as Santesh. From factory worker ...