‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’ Will Be a Beautiful Film in Anand Deverakonda’s Filmography: Vijay Deverakonda
Aditya Hasan’s Writing Is Brilliant; Wishing ‘EPIC’ a Grand Success: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
A Film You Can Happily Watch With Your Family: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi
The much-awaited youthful entertainer ‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’, starring the Baby blockbuster pair Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, is gearing up for its theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
Directed by young filmmaker Aditya Hasan, who won widespread appreciation for the hit 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.
With the combination of the Baby duo and the director of 90s, EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER has created considerable buzz among audiences, especially the youth.
A grand pre-release event was held at Daspalla Hotel, Hyderabad, on Tuesday evening. Rowdy Star Vijay Deverakonda and acclaimed filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga attended the event as chief guests.
Vijay Deverakonda: ‘EPIC’ Will Be a Beautiful Film in Anand’s Filmography
Speaking at the event, Vijay Deverakonda praised Anand Deverakonda’s choice of films and expressed confidence in EPIC.
“I feel extremely proud of Anand’s choice of films. I believe EPIC will stand as a beautiful film in his filmography. Aditya created a huge impact with 90s. Just as I eagerly waited for Tharun Bhascker’s debut after watching his short films, I waited for Aditya’s debut as well.
“Anand is fortunate to have got the opportunity to act in Aditya’s first film. Vaishnavi is a brilliant actor. I thoroughly enjoyed 90s, and I am confident that EPIC too will become a huge success.”
Vijay also said Telugu cinema is entering an exciting phase with a strong line-up of films arriving one after another.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga: ‘Aditya Has Written It Brilliantly’
Sandeep Reddy Vanga recalled his association with Anand from the days when Anand was working in the US.
“During the promotions of Arjun Reddy, we met Anand in the US. He was working in an IT job, but his passion for cinema was very evident. I remember thinking that he had as much love for cinema as we did.
“Anand naturally blends into every character he plays. Vaishnavi too has come a long way. I watched 90s with my children and really enjoyed it. Aditya has written it brilliantly. I never felt that it was written by a newcomer; it felt like the work of an experienced writer.
“The EPIC teaser and trailer are very good. I also love Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music. I wish the entire team a grand success.”
Anand Deverakonda: ‘EPIC’ Is Our Story
Anand Deverakonda described EPIC as a story that represents the emotions and experiences of an entire generation.
“EPIC is our film. When we are between 23 and 26, we think about family, love and responsibilities. This story represents all those emotions.
“Trivikram Garu once said that a simple story can be told strongly without unnecessary twists or violence. EPIC is that kind of love story. It is very natural, and everyone will see a part of themselves in it.
“There is no villain in this film. Aditya has written it beautifully, giving importance even to the smallest details. Just like 90s, I believe EPIC too will become a big hit.
“The film releases on September 11, with premieres on September 10. You can watch it with your friends, girlfriend or family and enjoy it.”
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: ‘Kadali’ Taught Me to Be Strong and Confident
Vaishnavi Chaitanya thanked Vijay Deverakonda and Sandeep Reddy Vanga for attending the event and spoke about her character.
“I am a huge admirer of Sandeep Reddy Garu’s work. In EPIC, I got the opportunity to play a strong female character with the kind of impact we see in his films.
“Vijay Garu’s journey is inspiring. I have learned from him that no matter what the circumstances are, we should believe in ourselves and remain confident.
“I play the character of Kadali. Kadali means the sea. Through this character, I learned how to be strong, confident and stand up for myself.
“It has been a pleasure working with Anand. There is an honesty in whatever character he plays, and you will see the same honesty in this film too. I hope audiences will appreciate our new attempt.”
Naga Vamsi: ‘EPIC’ Is a Film You Can Happily Watch With Your Family
Producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi said the film is a realistic portrayal of relationships and family emotions.
“We have shown the relationship between a boy and a girl in a very pure and realistic manner. Instead of the usual family problems seen in films, Aditya has beautifully presented the practical problems that arise between a young man and a young woman.
“Whether you take your girlfriend, wife or mother to the theatre, you will definitely enjoy the film. It also deals with small misunderstandings between parents and children. There are all kinds of family emotions in this film.
“In this 2-hour-20-minute film, nearly 1 hour and 40 minutes features Anand and Vaishnavi’s characters talking to each other. The extent to which those conversations connect with audiences will determine how far the film travels.
“Aditya has beautifully shown what happens when a soft-spoken boy from rural Telangana falls in love with a confident girl. The film also speaks about how we should understand and treat our partners. There are many heart-touching moments.
“EPIC is a film you can happily watch with your family.”
Aditya Hasan: ‘I Want to Live Up to the Audience’s Trust’
Director Aditya Hasan said the response to the EPIC trailer initially surprised him, but the audience’s faith in him gave him confidence.
“After the trailer was released, some people said they did not expect this kind of film from Aditya Hasan. I was shocked. But at the same time, many audiences and reviewers said, ‘Aditya wouldn’t make something like this; watch the film and you will understand.’ That made me very happy.
“I understood that audiences have developed a certain trust in me. I want to live up to that trust and satisfy them with this film.
“The story of EPIC came from the society I have observed. Anand has done complete justice to the character of Aditya, and Vaishnavi has beautifully portrayed Kadali.”
Shivaji: ‘Everyone Will See Their Own Story’
Actor Shivaji said EPIC reflects emotions that are common to every generation.
“EPIC is our story. It is the story of every generation. Emotion is permanent in human life and has nothing to do with age. Life is about memories, while cinema is about emotions. When those two come together, it becomes EPIC.
“Everyone who comes to the theatre will see their own story on screen. Every character will remain memorable. Anand and Vaishnavi have performed extremely well.”
Hesham Abdul Wahab: ‘This Film Will Always Remain Special’
Music director Hesham Abdul Wahab thanked Vijay Deverakonda for attending the event and said EPIC is a special film in his musical journey.
“Vijay Deverakonda Garu’s film marked the beginning of my musical journey in Telugu. EPIC is very special to me. It gave me the feeling of working on my first film again and allowed me to showcase a new side of myself as a music director.
“I will always remember the support of Naga Vamsi Garu, Aditya Garu, Anand Garu and Vaishnavi Garu. I am confident that EPIC will achieve great success.”
The event was hosted by popular anchor Suma Kanakala. Actor Srinivas Gavireddy, cinematographer Azeem, lyricists Suresh Banisetti and Poornachary, along with other members of the cast and crew, participated in the event and wished ‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’ a grand success.
‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’ releases worldwide on September 11, 2026, with premieres on September 10.
