‘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 blockbuster Baby pair Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, is gearing up for its theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
The film marks the directorial debut of Aditya Hasan, who won the hearts of Telugu audiences with 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 generated strong expectations among youngsters.
Ahead of the release, Anand Deverakonda interacted with the media and shared several interesting insights about the film, his character, Vaishnavi Chaitanya’s role and his experience working with director Aditya Hasan.
You mentioned at the pre-release event that the film would be strong, recalling something Trivikram said. What made you say that?
Trivikram garu once said at an event that an ordinary story should be told strongly. You don’t necessarily need twists or bloodshed to tell a compelling story. EPIC is exactly that kind of love story.
It is about an ordinary young man from Wanaparthy who puts aside his passion and goes abroad for the sake of his parents. Once he gets there, how does his perspective towards life change? What happens when he falls in love with a girl and enters a live-in relationship? We have presented all these aspects very naturally.
Although the film deals with the concept of a live-in relationship, director Aditya has handled it so 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 will connect with audiences across generations — whether they belong to the ’80s, ’90s or 2000s.
It will not only connect with people who have gone abroad for education, but with anyone who has lived away from their family. In the life of a middle-class youngster, even the smallest things carry a lot of importance. The film naturally and beautifully explores several aspects of life, including career, love and family responsibilities.
This is everyone’s story.
Some of the situations in the film are like looking at real-life incidents in a mirror. The audience will relate to and discuss every aspect shown in the film — 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, 100 percent. When I 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 connect strongly with this story.
Many people leave their families and go abroad in the hope of settling down in life and overcoming financial difficulties. I believe EPIC will emotionally connect with all of them.
Tell us about your character, Aditya.
The character of Aditya, whom I play, is very innocent. He is constantly confused about various aspects of life.
Should he do what he wants 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 all these questions.
Every scene and every dialogue in the film has been designed to touch the audience emotionally.
How much of an impact will Baby have on EPIC?
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 people are talking about Vaishnavi and me coming together again, they are also talking extensively about the 90s web series and Aditya Hasan. That is definitely a positive for the film.
Is EPIC a continuation of the 90s web series?
No, EPIC is not a sequel to 90s. However, the story has emerged from that world and those characters.
The film revolves around the younger son Aditya and what happens when he goes abroad to pursue his education. The roles of the parents have been incorporated into the film only as much as the story requires.
While 90s was 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 every girl can relate to.
Just because a girl appears to be smiling on the outside does not necessarily mean she is happy. Behind that smile, there can be several fears, responsibilities and struggles.
Kadali is a character who represents those emotions.
Do you discuss films with your sister-in-law Rashmika?
We don’t really discuss films much. However, when we were a little tense about deciding the release date for EPIC, she supported me mentally and stood by me.
What are your upcoming films?
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 bring a fresh and relatable love story to the big screen on September 11, 2026.
