There Is a Kadali in All of Us; Families Can Definitely Watch EPIC: Vaishnavi Chaitanya
The youthful entertainer ‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’, featuring the much-loved Baby duo Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, is all set to arrive in theatres worldwide on September 11, 2026. The film is directed by Aditya Hasan, who became a household name among Telugu audiences with the popular web series 90s.
Presented by Srikara Studios and produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the film has already generated considerable buzz, particularly among young audiences.
Ahead of the theatrical release, Vaishnavi Chaitanya spoke to the media about her role in the film, reuniting with Anand, director Aditya Hasan, her journey after Baby, and why she believes EPIC will connect with family audiences too.
On being a Telugu girl and achieving stardom
Vaishnavi says she feels grateful for the love she has received so far.
“I am extremely happy with the way things have shaped up. My parents, the industry and the audience have supported me throughout this journey. Today, many Telugu girls are entering the industry and creating their own identity. I am happy to be part of that journey.”
On Anand’s character and her role as Kadali
According to Vaishnavi, Anand plays a calm and soft-natured character named Aditya.
“Aditya is a very soft and composed person. His character becomes interesting because of how he changes through the experiences he goes through. I play Kadali, who is very different. She is strong, knows what she wants and is not afraid to stand up for herself.”
Is Kadali similar to Vaishnavi in real life?
Vaishnavi feels the character represents a side that exists within almost everyone.
I believe there is a Kadali in everyone. Sometimes, because of family, society or circumstances, we suppress that side of ourselves. But there comes a point when you have to stand up for yourself. That is what makes Kadali very special to me.
On selecting films after the success of Baby
After Baby, Vaishnavi says she wanted to make sure her next choices offered something different.
I want the story and my character to bring something new. When I read a script, I should be able to imagine myself in that role. That was one of the major reasons I decided to do EPIC.”
On working with director Aditya Hasan
Vaishnavi had plenty of praise for Aditya Hasan and his approach to filmmaking.
Working with Aditya has been a lot of fun. He observes people and life very closely. Even the smallest things that happen around us have meaning for him. You can see that quality in EPIC as well. Even the little moments between Aditya and Kadali are treated with importance. His way of looking at things is very unique, and he has become one of my favourite directors.”
She added that their first meeting happened only when he came to narrate the script.
I had never met Aditya before he came to narrate EPIC. But I had already watched 90s, and I really enjoyed it.
On sharing the screen with Anand again
The actress says EPIC is nothing like Baby, and that difference was important to both actors.
Baby and EPIC are completely different films. We never felt pressured because of Baby, but we definitely took this film as a challenge. Our biggest goal was that when people watch EPIC, they should see these characters as Aditya and Kadali rather than thinking about Baby. If we can achieve that, I feel we have succeeded.”
She also expressed confidence that audiences would embrace the film.
On producer Naga Vamsi
Vaishnavi is happy to be associated with Sithara Entertainments once again.
I am very happy to work with the Sithara banner. Naga Vamsi garu gives the team a lot of freedom. When it comes to the film, he never hesitates to spend what is required. His main concern is always whether the final output is good.”
From Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo to becoming the lead actress under the same banner
Vaishnavi earlier appeared as the sister in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. Returning to the same production house as the heroine of EPIC is a particularly emotional milestone for her.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo gave me the confidence to dream bigger. It made me believe that if we set ambitious goals, we can actually achieve them. To experience something like this personally is a very special feeling, and it is difficult to put that emotion completely into words.
What makes EPIC different from other love stories?
Vaishnavi believes the film’s strength lies in its simplicity and the way it explores two contrasting personalities.
We have watched many love stories, but every love story has its own identity. EPIC also has something different. Two people with completely different mindsets and life journeys travel to the UK for their studies. They meet there and eventually start living together. The story is largely about the private conversations and experiences they share.
She explained that the contrast between the two leads is an important part of the film.
The girl sees life in one way, while the boy looks at it differently. How they meet, what they think and how their perspectives evolve make the film interesting. There is no unnecessary extravagance. It is a simple story that connects emotionally.
What did Kadali teach her?
Vaishnavi says the role also helped her personally.
There are certain things I am usually hesitant to talk about openly. Through Kadali, I understood the importance of believing in yourself and being confident. That is something I have personally taken away from the character.
Speaking about the independent nature of Kadali, she added:
We have seen many films with strong, independent women. But Kadali has her own journey. She is like an ocean. When she faces a problem, she doesn't simply get stuck there; she finds a way to move forward. There is also a meaningful message within her character.
Can families watch EPIC?
Vaishnavi is confident that family audiences can enjoy the film despite its live-in relationship setting.
Definitely. Families can watch EPIC. Since the story involves a live-in relationship, it may not be as clean as 90s. But Aditya has shown only what is necessary for the story and has been conscious of family audiences. There are no scenes that should make families uncomfortable. I believe families can definitely watch the film.
On her upcoming films
Vaishnavi revealed that she has an interesting line-up ahead.
I am currently working on a film with Nithiin garu under the Sithara banner. Apart from that, I have two Tamil films and one Hindi film in progress.
With a fresh pairing, a relatable premise and Aditya Hasan’s distinctive storytelling, ‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’ is gearing up for its worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
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