“There Is a Kadali in Everyone”:Vaishnavi Chaitanya
“‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’ Can Be Watched by Family Audiences Too; There Is a ‘Kadali’ in Everyone”: Vaishnavi Chaitanya
The much-awaited youthful entertainer ‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’, starring the popular Baby pair Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, is gearing up for its grand worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
Directed by Aditya Hasan, who won appreciation for the successful web series 90s, the film is presented by Srikara Studios and produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the banners of Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas.
Ahead of the film’s release, actress Vaishnavi Chaitanya interacted with the media and opened up about her character Kadali, reuniting with Anand Deverakonda after Baby, working with director Aditya Hasan, the film’s unique love story and why she believes EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER will connect with audiences.
How would you describe your character Kadali?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: Kadali is a strong girl who stands up for herself. She has clarity about what she wants in life. I believe there is a Kadali in everyone. However, because of family, society or circumstances, that version of ourselves often remains hidden within us.
At some point in life, everyone has to stand up for themselves and make their own decisions. That is what makes Kadali very close to my heart. I could relate to several aspects of her character.
After the success of Baby, what made you choose EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER?
After Baby, I wanted to do something that offered me a completely different experience. Both the story and the character should have something new. I should be able to see myself in the character and feel that there is something for me to explore as an actor.
That was one of the main reasons I chose EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER. Kadali is very different from the characters I have played before, and that excited me.
What was it like working with director Aditya Hasan?
Working with Aditya is a lot of fun. He observes life very deeply and notices even the smallest things around him. More importantly, he understands the significance of those little moments and knows how to bring them into the story.
The same quality can be seen in EPIC. He is a very unique filmmaker and definitely one of my favourite directors.
I met Aditya for the first time when he came to narrate EPIC to me. However, I had already watched 90s, and I really loved the series. So I was quite excited to work with him.
You and Anand Deverakonda are coming together again after Baby. Was there any pressure?
Baby and EPIC are completely different films. We did not feel pressure because of Baby, but we definitely took EPIC as a challenge.
We wanted audiences to look at us differently this time. If people watch EPIC and don’t think of Baby while watching us, then we feel we have succeeded as actors.
From the beginning, we have been confident that audiences will love this film. The characters, story and treatment are completely different, and we hope that people will enjoy seeing us in these new roles.
What makes the love story in EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER different?
We have seen many love stories over the years, but every love story has its own uniqueness. In EPIC, two people with different paths and completely different mindsets travel to the UK for their studies and meet there.
They end up living together, and the story revolves around the private conversations and experiences they share.
The girl looks at life in one way, while the boy has a completely different perspective. The way they meet, interact and understand each other brings freshness to the story.
There is no unnecessary extravaganza in the film. It is a simple, honest story that touches your heart.
The film deals with a live-in relationship. Can family audiences watch it?
Definitely. Family audiences can watch EPIC.
Since the film deals with a live-in relationship, it may not be as clean an entertainer as 90s. However, Aditya has shown only what is necessary for the story while keeping family audiences in mind.
There are no uncomfortable scenes. Everything has been handled naturally and appropriately for the narrative. So families can definitely watch and enjoy the film.
Did playing Kadali change your perspective on anything?
Yes. Kadali taught me to believe in myself.
I usually feel a little hesitant or scared to speak openly about certain things. Through Kadali, I learnt that we must first believe in ourselves and be confident about our decisions.
There have already been many films featuring independent women. What makes EPIC different is Kadali’s journey. She is like an ocean—she faces a problem in her life, understands it and finds her own way forward.
The character also carries a meaningful message, which I hope audiences will connect with.
You are working with the Sithara banner again. How has that experience been?
I am extremely happy to work with the Sithara banner again. Naga Vamsi garu gives everyone a lot of freedom while working. At the same time, he never compromises when it comes to the quality of the film.
His primary focus is always on making sure that the final output is good. That gives actors and technicians a lot of confidence.
My association with this banner is also special because Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo gave me the hope that everyone can set big goals in life and work towards achieving them.
Experiencing something like that in my own life is extremely special. It is difficult to express that happiness completely in words.
What can audiences expect from EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER?
I think audiences will experience a different kind of love story. It is youthful, relatable and rooted in the emotions and conversations between two people.
Rather than relying on unnecessary grandeur, the film focuses on the characters, their perspectives and their relationship. I believe that emotional connect is what will make EPIC special.
Tell us about your upcoming projects.
I am currently working on a film with Nithiin garu under the Sithara banner. I am also working on two Tamil films and one Hindi film.
Finally, what would you like to tell the audience?
I would simply request audiences to watch EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER in theatres and experience the story for themselves.
I hope they connect with Kadali, Anand’s character and the world created by Aditya Hasan. Most importantly, I hope everyone finds a little bit of themselves in these characters.
‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’ is set for a grand worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
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