“‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’ Is Like a Beautiful Journey”: Anand Deverakonda
“It is a relatable story that reflects real-life experiences. Love, family and responsibilities are portrayed naturally and beautifully,” says Anand Deverakonda
The much-awaited youthful entertainer ‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’, starring the popular Baby pair Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, is gearing up for its grand theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
The film marks the directorial debut of Aditya Hasan, who won widespread appreciation for the popular web series 90s. Presented by Srikara Studios and produced under the banners of Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya, the film has already created considerable buzz, particularly among young audiences.
Ahead of the release, Anand Deverakonda interacted with the media and spoke at length about EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER, his character Aditya, his reunion with Vaishnavi Chaitanya, director Aditya Hasan, and why he believes the film will strike an emotional chord with audiences across generations.
You mentioned at the pre-release event that the film would be strong, recalling something Trivikram Srinivas said. What made you say that?
Trivikram garu once said at an event that even an ordinary story can be made compelling if it is told strongly. You don’t necessarily need twists, violence or bloodshed to make a film engaging. EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER is exactly that kind of love story.
The film is about an ordinary young man from Wanaparthy who puts aside his own passion and goes abroad for the sake of his parents. Once he reaches there, how does his perspective towards life change? What happens when he falls in love with a girl and eventually enters a live-in relationship? We have explored all these aspects in a very natural manner.
Although the film touches upon the concept of a live-in relationship, director Aditya has handled the subject so sensitively and beautifully that family audiences will never feel uncomfortable watching it.
What can audiences expect from EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER?
The entire team has been extremely confident about the film right from the beginning. I strongly believe that EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER will connect with audiences across generations — whether they belong to the ’80s, ’90s or 2000s.
The film will not only connect with youngsters who have gone abroad for education, but also with anyone who has lived away from their family. In the life of a middle-class youngster, even the smallest things can carry tremendous emotional value.
The film naturally explores several important aspects of life, including career, love, family and responsibilities. In many ways, this is everyone’s story.
Some situations in the film feel like looking at real-life incidents in a mirror. Audiences will be able to relate to and discuss the different emotions portrayed — love, family, responsibilities and relationships.
It is not like a regular film. It is like a beautiful journey.
Did you see yourself in the character of Aditya?
Absolutely. I could relate to him almost 100 per cent. When I first heard the story of EPIC, I immediately felt, “This is so much like my story.”
I studied in America, so I could personally relate to several aspects of the film. Whether they are in America, the UK, Australia, Germany or any other country, Telugu youngsters who go abroad for education will strongly connect with this story.
Many people leave their families and travel abroad with the hope of building a better future, settling down in life and overcoming financial difficulties. I believe EPIC will emotionally connect with all of them.
Tell us about your character, Aditya.
Aditya is a very innocent young man. He is constantly confused about various aspects of life.
Should he follow his own dreams or live according to his parents’ wishes? Is what he feels for the girl really love? Should he marry her? Can he spend the rest of his life with her?
He keeps asking himself these questions throughout his journey.
Every scene and every dialogue in the film has been designed with the intention of connecting emotionally with the audience.
How much of an impact will Baby have on EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER?
Baby became such a huge success that whenever Vaishnavi and I come together, it is natural for people to talk about that film.
However, there is absolutely no comparison between Baby and EPIC. Both films are unique in their own ways.
If Baby was a sensation, EPIC is like a beautiful journey.
While audiences are excited to see Vaishnavi and me together again, there is also considerable interest because of the involvement of Aditya Hasan, who earned recognition with the 90s web series. I definitely see that as a positive for our film.
Is EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER a continuation of the 90s web series?
No, EPIC is not a sequel to 90s. However, the story has emerged from the world and characters of that series.
The film revolves around the younger son, Aditya, and what happens when he goes abroad to pursue his education. The parents’ characters have been incorporated into the film only to the extent required by the story.
While 90s was primarily a family story, EPIC is a love story. However, just like 90s, this film also has natural humour and heartfelt emotions.
What can you tell us about Vaishnavi Chaitanya’s character, Kadali?
Kadali is a character that I believe every girl can relate to.
Just because a girl is smiling on the outside doesn’t necessarily mean that she is happy. Behind that smile, there can be several fears, responsibilities and personal struggles.
Kadali represents those emotions. She is a character with depth, and audiences will understand and connect with her journey.
Do you discuss films with your sister-in-law Rashmika Mandanna?
We don’t really discuss films that much. However, when we were a little tense while deciding the release date for EPIC, she supported me mentally and stood by me. That support meant a lot to me.
What are your upcoming projects?
The shooting of ‘Takshakudu’ has been completed. I have also completed an Indo-Korean film.
With ‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’, Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya are set to return to the big screen together with a fresh, youthful and relatable love story. The film is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
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