Hyderabad, India – September 10, 2026 – As the release of director Aditya Haasan’s highly anticipated Telugu film, Epic – First Semester, looms, actor Anand Deverakonda finds himself reflecting on a journey that mirrors the very essence of his on-screen portrayal. Despite a demanding schedule of pre-release interviews, Deverakonda exudes an unflagging enthusiasm for the project, a testament to the genuine connection he forged with the film’s team. "I’m game to speak about this film. It might sound like a cliché, but I truly enjoyed working with this team," he shares, his voice carrying a warmth that belies the whirlwind of promotional activities.
The emotional resonance of Epic – First Semester was palpable at its pre-release event, where Deverakonda openly expressed his feelings about his own experience of leaving home for higher studies in the United States. In the film, he embodies a student embarking on a similar path to the United Kingdom, a character drawing inspiration from director Aditya Haasan’s personal narrative. "A culmination of several factors made me emotional," Deverakonda explains, his gaze drifting as he recalls the moments. "I enjoyed making this film, and I will miss this team. Epic is Sithara Entertainments’ fifth release this year. We initially considered a February release but rescheduled it to accommodate other films. It has been a long wait." He pauses, a gentle smile gracing his lips, before admitting that the presence of his elder brother, acclaimed actor Vijay Deverakonda, at the event also stirred a wave of nostalgia and emotion.
The Emotional Crucible of Departure: A Personal Echo in "Epic"
Anand Deverakonda vividly remembers the poignant farewell at the airport as he departed for his academic pursuits in the US. "That was my first flight and my first international journey," he recounts, his voice tinged with a familiar blend of vulnerability and resilience. "Many students and families can relate to that experience. I was scared to leave the comfort of home." He elaborates on the weight of responsibility he felt, having borrowed funds from his brother, uncle, and aunt. "I had borrowed money from my brother, mama (uncle), and pedamma (aunt), and felt responsible for completing my studies, finding a job, and repaying them." The airport scene, he describes, was a delicate balancing act of outward composure and inner apprehension. "At the airport, we all put on a brave front. My family told me to focus on my studies, eat well, and not stress. But we all know the fears deep within. Aditya has captured these small moments in Epic."
The narrative of Epic – First Semester extends beyond mere cinematic portrayal; it is deeply rooted in lived experiences. The characters portrayed by Anand Deverakonda and his on-screen parents in the film are direct extensions of the beloved, relatable characters from Aditya Haasan’s debut web series, 90s’: A Middle Class Biopic. This web series, lauded for its authentic depiction of childhood memories, provided a fertile ground for Haasan to explore a new facet of relatable storytelling. The decision to weave these established characters into a new narrative underscores the filmmakers’ commitment to building a universe that resonates with the audience on a profound emotional level.
A Departure from the Conventional: "Epic" as a Commercial Experiment
Anand Deverakonda describes Epic – First Semester as a nuanced coming-of-age story and a slow-burn romance, marking his reunion with actress Vaishnavi Chaitanya, his co-star from the commercially successful film Baby. While Baby was characterized as a "massy love story" that ignited passionate discussions due to its overt emotional expressions, Epic positions Deverakonda’s character in a more introspective and gentle light, drawing parallels to the protagonists often seen in the works of acclaimed director Sekhar Kammula. "That is how I interpreted my character when Aditya narrated it to me," Deverakonda explains. "I found him to be innocent. It is deliberate."
This deliberate choice in characterization is central to the film’s unique appeal. Producer Naga Vamsi has aptly described Epic as a "commercial experiment," a label that hints at its departure from established industry norms. Director Aditya Haasan has meticulously steered clear of the stereotypical tropes often associated with narratives about Non-Resident Indian (NRI) students. Unlike many films that focus on exaggerated depictions of lavish lifestyles or dramatic conflicts, Epic aims for a more authentic and grounded portrayal. "The 90s’ web series was life-like, portraying situations that the audience could relate to. Epic also has fewer cinematic moments," Deverakonda emphasizes, highlighting the film’s commitment to realism.
The film delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by young adults who venture abroad for higher education in their early twenties. It intricately explores the seismic shifts in lifestyle, the adaptation to unfamiliar culinary landscapes, and the burgeoning realities of financial independence. "How you handle all these shapes who you become later," Deverakonda states, underscoring the transformative power of this formative period. This exploration of personal growth amidst new environments is a core theme that the film promises to deliver.
A Tapestry of Relationships: Love, Growth, and Cinematic Influences
The narrative arc of Epic – First Semester promises to be a delicate exploration of relationships, with a particular focus on the evolving dynamics between the protagonists. Deverakonda’s character is portrayed as a soft-natured individual, a departure from the more assertive archetypes often prevalent in contemporary cinema. This characterization aligns with the film’s overarching theme of introspection and personal discovery.
In the realm of new-age romance dramas and coming-of-age stories, Deverakonda draws inspiration from a diverse range of critically acclaimed films. He cites the Malayalam film Hridayam, the Tamil film Thiruchitrambalam, the Telugu film Couple Friendly, and the Korean film Past Lives as personal favorites that have shaped his understanding of nuanced storytelling. He believes that Epic will resonate with audiences through its emphasis on authentic conversations and relatable character interactions. "Epic, he says, is driven by conversations."
The film also carries significant box-office expectations for both Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, who are keen to build upon their recent successes. Middle Class Melodies and Baby remain among Anand’s most popular films, and he is candid about his ambition to achieve a more consistent track record at the box office. "I want a better strike rate at the box office for sure," he admits. "In hindsight, every film has helped me grow as an actor and understand people better." This self-awareness and dedication to continuous improvement are hallmarks of his burgeoning career.
Future Endeavors: Expanding the Cinematic Horizon
Looking ahead, Anand Deverakonda is poised for a diverse slate of upcoming projects that promise to further solidify his presence in the Telugu film industry. His next significant venture is Thakshakudu, a mystic folklore thriller helmed by Vinod Anantoju, the director with whom he previously collaborated on Middle Class Melodies. Originally envisioned for a theatrical release, Thakshakudu is now slated for a digital premiere on Netflix during the festive season. "Vinod has built a distinct visual world with a definite soundscape. We believe the film will find its audience, irrespective of whether it releases theatrically or digitally," Deverakonda asserts, expressing confidence in the film’s artistic merit and potential reach.
Furthermore, Deverakonda is set to reunite with director Aditya Haasan for another project, though this time Haasan will be taking on a writing role, with a debutant director at the helm. This collaboration signals a continued creative synergy and a willingness to explore new directorial voices. Additionally, an Indo-Korean film is in development, a project that underscores Deverakonda’s ambition to broaden his artistic horizons and engage with international cinema. He expresses optimism that these diverse projects will contribute to his established position within the Telugu film landscape.
" Epic is designed to work as a standalone film, even for those who haven’t watched 90s’," Deverakonda emphasizes, highlighting the film’s accessibility. He concludes with a hopeful sentiment, acknowledging the current trend of alpha-male characters dominating the screen. "I hope that in these times of alpha-male characters, people warm up to the softer character I portray, and that this film ages well." This aspiration reflects a desire to contribute to a more diverse and relatable cinematic narrative, one that celebrates the quiet triumphs and nuanced emotions of everyday life. The anticipation surrounding Epic – First Semester is therefore not just about a film’s release, but about the promise of a story that speaks to the universal experience of navigating life’s pivotal moments with courage, vulnerability, and a touch of youthful optimism.
