‘Epic’ Trailer Wins Praise from Rashmika, Shiva Nirvana
“I hope ‘Epic’ becomes a huge success” – Rashmika Mandanna
“All theatres should be filled with vibes. I hope ‘Epic’ becomes a big success” – Shiva Nirvana
“‘Epic’ is a beautiful film and it will surprise everyone” – Anand Deverakonda
Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya are back together with a new-age love story, ‘Epic – First Semester’, directed by debutant filmmaker Aditya Hasan. Produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas banners, the film is gearing up for a grand worldwide theatrical release on September 11. The premieres are scheduled for September 10.
As part of the promotions, the much-awaited trailer was unveiled on Friday, instantly generating curiosity among movie lovers and particularly the youth.
The trailer opens with Anand’s character introducing himself before correcting his name to Aditya, expressing his dream of becoming a filmmaker and making “a good film, our film.” From there, the trailer takes viewers through an engaging mix of romance, friendship, aspirations, family emotions and the challenges faced by youngsters living away from home.
The story appears to revolve around the experiences of a young man who travels abroad and the situations he encounters there. The chemistry between Anand and Vaishnavi looks refreshing, while their romantic track promises to be one of the film’s major attractions. Kalyan Shankar also makes an impression with his presence and dialogue, which is likely to strike a chord with the younger generation.
The trailer takes an emotional turn when Anand’s character receives a question from his mother about why he is not sending money to pay the loan EMI. His response — “If you didn’t even pay my college fees when you gave birth to me, then why, Mom?” — hints at the deeper emotional layers in the story.
The relationship between the lead pair also appears to go through its share of ups and downs. A conversation about breakups and relationships, followed by the intriguing question, “Do you know when a relationship becomes epic?”, further raises expectations about the film.
With its blend of romance, humour, youth-oriented situations and emotional family moments, the trailer promises an entertaining and heartfelt cinematic experience.
The trailer launch event was attended by National Crush Rashmika Mandanna and acclaimed director Shiva Nirvana as chief guests. Several prominent members of the film fraternity also expressed their confidence in the movie.
Rashmika Mandanna praised the trailer and the entire team, saying she was impressed by Anand’s passion for cinema.
“I liked the ‘Epic’ trailer. Anand is always thinking about cinema and works hard only for cinema. I was told that Kadali’s character is going to be great. Vaishnavi will get a lot of recognition with this film. I feel proud when I see Aditya. After ‘90s’, the responsibility on him has increased. Hesham’s music is always great. It is happy to see and meet Shivaji sir here. ‘Epic’ is coming on September 11, with premieres on September 10. I will watch the movie along with the team. I hope ‘Epic’ becomes a huge success,” she said.
Anand Deverakonda
Anand Deverakonda thanked Rashmika for attending the event and explained the significance behind the film’s title.
“There is a reason behind naming the film ‘Epic’. There are many epic moments in our lives. When we are in pain and our partner comes and holds us, or kisses us on the forehead, that becomes an epic moment,” Anand said.
Speaking about the film, he added, “New directors bring new ideas into the industry. Aditya observes everyone’s lives very closely. This film will feel like therapy for everyone. It is an emotional film and it will feel like we are seeing ourselves on the screen. It is a beautiful film. It will surprise everyone and attract everyone.”
He also drew an interesting comparison, saying, “‘Epic’ will be like a beautiful story that you would get if you combine ‘Ye Maaya Chesave’ and ‘Premalu’.”
Praising his co-star, Anand said, “Vaishnavi has acted wonderfully as Kadali. She will surprise everyone with her performance. I hope Vaishnavi reaches a much greater level. Our film will touch everyone emotionally.”
Vaishnavi Chaitanya
Vaishnavi Chaitanya thanked Rashmika Mandanna and Shiva Nirvana for attending the trailer launch and expressed her happiness about working with the Sithara Entertainments banner once again.
“Aditya garu is my favourite director and friend. Thank you, Aditya garu, for seeing me as Kadali and giving me this opportunity. Azeem garu showed all of us beautifully and made every frame look beautiful. Hesham garu gave us wonderful music,” she said.
Speaking about Anand, she added, “I became friends with Anand through ‘Baby’. Anand is the same person both then and now. I like that quality in Anand — he always remains the same. Anand is happier when the people around him grow.”
She also expressed confidence in the film and said, “I believe Kalyan Shankar garu will become a busy artist with this film. ‘Epic’ will become a big success.”
Shivaji
Actor Shivaji said the film has much more emotion than what the trailer reveals.
“Thanks to Aditya and Naga Vamsi garu for giving me a good role in ‘Epic’. This is a world created by Aditya. ‘90s’ was a miracle in my career. Aditya narrates stories wonderfully,” he said.
He further added, “Unlike what is shown in the trailer, the film has great emotion. This is not just a Gen Z movie. Every generation will keep this movie in their hearts. It will connect even more with youngsters studying abroad and their families.”
Calling the climax highly emotional, Shivaji urged audiences to watch the film in theatres. He also teased the possibility of a bigger chapter ahead, saying, “Everyone come to theatres on September 11. Chapter 2 will be on another level.”
Aditya Hasan
Director Aditya Hasan revealed that the film carries considerable emotional depth beneath its youthful presentation.
“After watching the ‘Epic’ trailer, everyone might have got a cultural shock. Even though it comes from the world of the ‘90s’, it may feel a little shocking. It was not done just for attraction. There is good emotional depth in the film. Everyone will understand that after watching the movie,” he said.
Praising the cast and technicians, Aditya added, “There is innocence in this movie. Anand, Vaishnavi, Shivaji garu and Vasuki garu have acted wonderfully. Hesham’s songs and background score will impress everyone. Azeem’s visuals will be great. Thanks to everyone who worked for ‘Epic’. This film will be remembered by everyone.”
Shiva Nirvana
Director Shiva Nirvana praised Aditya Hasan’s writing and expressed confidence in the Anand-Vaishnavi combination.
“It is happy to see all the young directors like this. Aditya’s writing is good. Anand and Vaishnavi’s ‘Baby’ was a huge success. The fact that Aditya is bringing these two together again and has avoided any comparison with that film is a great thing. In that aspect, Aditya has succeeded,” he said.
He further praised the technical aspects of the film, saying, “The visuals looked amazing. This movie will connect with Gen Z audiences. Hesham created magic with his music.”
Shiva Nirvana also spoke warmly about Anand, Vaishnavi and Shivaji before concluding, “All the theatres should be filled with vibes. I hope ‘Epic’ becomes a big success.”
Shailesh Kolanu
Director Shailesh Kolanu expressed his admiration for Aditya Hasan’s work.
“Just seeing Aditya’s name is enough to go for the first-day-first-show. I love ‘90s’ a lot. ‘Epic’ is coming again from the same world. Aditya’s writing is excellent. Anand and Vaishnavi were amazing in ‘Baby’. I hope this pair gets another big success. The visuals look good and Hesham’s music is excellent. Everyone should watch ‘Epic’ on September 11,” he said.
Kalyan Shankar
Kalyan Shankar said he immediately connected with the story when Aditya narrated it to him.
“First, I have to thank Aditya for ‘Epic’. I liked the story immediately after Aditya narrated it to me. This film with Anand and Vaishnavi will become a bigger hit than ‘Baby’. It was great to act with Shivanna. The movie will be amazing. Aditya keeps working hard for the film until the very end,” he said.
Vinod Anantoju
Director Vinod Anantoju, who has already watched the film, praised Aditya’s execution.
“I have already watched ‘Epic’. Aditya wrote and directed it wonderfully. The movie is entertaining throughout and also touches emotionally. Vaishnavi’s character is very good. It has been a long time since a film like this came out,” he said.
Sai Marthand
Director Sai Marthand praised the performances of the lead actors and Shivaji.
“Vaishnavi and Anand’s performances in ‘Epic’ are amazing. Shivaji garu gives a terrific performance in the climax. It has been a year since Aditya’s ‘Little Hearts’ was released. ‘Epic’ should become a bigger success than ‘Little Hearts’,” he said.
Hesham Abdul Wahab
Music director Hesham Abdul Wahab thanked the team for giving him the opportunity to be part of the film.
“Thanks to everyone who has been giving me good opportunities in Telugu. Thanks to Aditya for giving me the opportunity to work on ‘Epic’. The film has come out wonderfully. I am happy to work with the ‘Epic’ team. Anand and Vaishnavi have acted wonderfully. I hope ‘Epic’ achieves an epic success, just like its title,” he said.
Srinivas Gavireddy
Director Srinivas Gavireddy praised the trailer and predicted that the film could become a memorable love story.
“The ‘Epic’ teaser received a good response. The trailer is amazing. ‘Epic’ will be one of the memorable love stories in the industry. Kadali and Aditya will be remembered by everyone,” he said.
With an appealing lead pair, a youthful setting, emotional family moments and a promising romantic track, ‘Epic – First Semester’ is generating positive buzz ahead of its theatrical release. The film is set to arrive in theatres worldwide on September 11, with premieres on September 10.
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