‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’ Is a Beautiful Journey of Love, Family and Life: Anand Deverakonda
The story is very relatable. It naturally brings together love, family, responsibilities and real-life emotions,” says Anand Deverakonda
The much-awaited youthful entertainer ‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’, starring the popular Baby pair Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, is all set to hit theatres on September 11, 2026.
Directed by Aditya Hasan, who impressed Telugu audiences with the popular web series 90s, the film is presented by Srikara Studios and produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas.
With the release just around the corner, Anand Deverakonda interacted with the media and spoke about the film, his character, Vaishnavi’s role and his experience working with Aditya Hasan.
What made you describe EPIC as a strong film?
Director Trivikram garu once said that even a simple story can become powerful if it is narrated strongly. I feel EPIC is exactly that kind of film.
It is about a young man named Aditya from Wanaparthy who gives up his own dreams and goes abroad because of his parents. Once he reaches there, his outlook towards life slowly changes. Love enters his life, and he eventually gets into a live-in relationship.
The film explores all these situations in a very natural way. Even though live-in relationships are part of the story, Aditya Hasan has handled the subject so sensibly that family audiences can watch the film comfortably.
What kind of film is EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER?
The team has been confident about EPIC from the beginning. I believe the film will connect with people from different generations.
It is not only for youngsters who have gone abroad for education. Anyone who has stayed away from their family will understand the emotions in this story.
For a middle-class youngster, even small things in life can have a big impact. The film talks about career, love, family and responsibilities through these everyday experiences.
In many ways, EPIC is a story about all of us.
Some scenes may remind audiences of things they have experienced themselves. That is why I feel people will not just watch the film, but also discuss the situations and characters after coming out of the theatre.
For me, EPIC is not just a regular love story. It is a beautiful journey.
Did you relate to Aditya?
Yes, completely. When I first heard the story, I immediately felt that there were many similarities between Aditya and me.
I studied in America, so I could personally understand many of the situations shown in the film. Telugu youngsters living in America, the UK, Australia, Germany and other countries will easily relate to Aditya’s journey.
Many youngsters leave their families and travel abroad with the hope of building a better future. EPIC captures the emotions, struggles and changes they go through.
Tell us about your character.
Aditya is a simple and innocent young man. He is also confused about many things in life.
He constantly questions himself should he follow his own dreams or his parents’ expectations? Is what he feels for Kadali really love? Should he marry her? Can they actually build a life together?
These questions form an important part of his journey.
The director has taken great care with every scene and dialogue to make the emotions feel real and relatable.
Will the success of Baby create extra expectations?
There will naturally be expectations whenever Vaishnavi and I work together after the success of Baby.
But EPIC and Baby are completely different films. There is no comparison between the two.
Baby was a sensation, while EPIC is a beautiful journey.
The combination of Vaishnavi and me is one aspect, but Aditya Hasan’s popularity through 90s is another major advantage for the film. I think both factors have created good expectations.
Is EPIC connected to 90s?
EPIC is not a sequel to 90s. However, the story has come from the same world and includes characters from that space.
The film mainly focuses on the younger son Aditya and his journey after going abroad for education. The parents are also part of the story, but their roles are used only according to the requirements of this film.
90s was primarily a family story, whereas EPIC is a love story. At the same time, audiences can expect the same kind of natural humour and emotions.
Tell us about Vaishnavi’s character Kadali.
Kadali is a very relatable character.
A girl may always appear happy and cheerful from the outside, but that does not mean she has no problems. She may be dealing with fears, responsibilities and personal struggles that others cannot see.
Kadali represents those emotions. I believe many girls will see a part of themselves in her character.
Do you discuss films with Rashmika?
We don't discuss films very often. But when we were a little stressed while deciding the release date for EPIC, she supported me emotionally and stood by me. I really appreciated that.
What are your upcoming projects?
I have completed the shooting of Takshakudu. I have also finished an Indo-Korean film.
Now, I am looking forward to the release of EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER and hoping audiences will connect with the film.
‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’, starring Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, will arrive in theatres on September 11, 2026.
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