Stories probing the anxieties of the human mind and the fragile nature of relationships dominated the second day of the Happiness International Film Festival, drawing a strong audience response across venues. A total of 12 films, marked by thematic and stylistic diversity, were screened to packed halls, with several receiving prolonged applause.
In the Malayalam category at Alankeel Paradise Theatre, Shavapetti, Kaathirippu by Nipin Narayanan, Ambrosia by Adhithya Baby, and Ebb, directed by Jeo Baby, were showcased. At Classic and Crown Theatres, international selections including The Love That Remains, If on a Winter’s Night, Papa Buka, Palestine 36, ShadowBox, The Banquet of Primal Love, Theater, and The Chronology of Water were screened. On Monday (February 23, 2026), the line-up includes Samastha Loka, Residual, Other People’s Skies, Sentimental Value, Sirat, Once Upon a Time in Gaza, A Poet, and Thanthapperu.
Ebb, which earlier garnered attention at the International Film Festival of Kerala, received notable appreciation from festival viewers. The film explores themes of male hypocrisy, monogamy, polygamy and possessiveness in contemporary relationships. It follows a young man who advocates open relationships but struggles emotionally when confronted with his partner’s intimacy with another friend. The narrative examines male psychology and social conditioning, highlighting the contradictions between professed progressive ideals and personal insecurities.
During an interaction with the audience, the director said that his critique of masculinity, present in his earlier works, continues in this film as well.
If on a Winter’s Night explores survival in a metropolitan city, highlighting themes of love, inequality, and the idea of home as both shelter and privilege. Set against the wintry backdrop of Delhi, the film follows Simon, a young man grappling with his identity and financial instability.
Forced to conceal his hardship from his girlfriend, Simon’s admission that he lacks a home of his own becomes a poignant reflection on class realities. The narrative suggests that economic insecurity shapes the identities of urban youth, portraying cities as spaces that promise opportunity but seldom a sense of belonging.
Published – February 22, 2026 11:15 pm IST
