‘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 theatrical release on September 11, 2026.

Directed by Aditya Hasan, who impressed Telugu audiences with the successful web series 90s, the film is presented by Srikara Studios and produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas.

Ahead of the release, Vaishnavi Chaitanya interacted with the media and spoke about her character Kadali, working with Anand once again, director Aditya Hasan and what makes EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER special.

“There Is a Kadali in Everyone”

Speaking about her character, Vaishnavi said, “Kadali is a strong girl who stands up for herself. She has clarity about what she wants. I believe there is a Kadali in everyone. But because of family or society, that version of ourselves often remains within us. At some point in life, everyone has to stand up for themselves. That is why Kadali is very close to my heart.”

“I Look for Something New After Baby”

On choosing films after Baby, she said, “Both the story and my character should have something new. I should be able to see myself in that character. That was one of the main reasons I chose EPIC.”

“Aditya Hasan Is a Unique Director”

Praising director Aditya Hasan, Vaishnavi said, “Working with Aditya is a lot of fun. He observes life very deeply and notices even the smallest things. He understands the significance of those little moments. The same can be seen in EPIC. He is a unique director and one of my favourite directors.”

She added, “I met Aditya for the first time when he came to narrate EPIC. But I had already watched 90s, and I really loved the series.”

“We Wanted Audiences to See Us Differently After Baby”

Talking about reuniting with Anand Deverakonda after Baby, she said, “Baby and EPIC are completely different films. There was no pressure, but we took EPIC as a challenge. If audiences watch us in this film and don’t think of Baby, then we have succeeded. We have been confident from the beginning that EPIC will receive their love.”

“EPIC Has a Different Kind of Love Story”

Explaining the film’s uniqueness, Vaishnavi said, “We have seen many love stories, but every love story has something unique. In EPIC, two people with different paths and different mindsets go to the UK for their studies and meet there. They live together, and the film revolves around the private conversations between them.”

“The girl looks at life in one way, while the boy sees it differently. How they meet and how their perspectives differ bring freshness to the story. There is no unnecessary extravaganza in the film. It is a story that touches your heart.”

“Family Audiences Can Definitely Watch the Film”

Addressing whether the film is suitable for family audiences, she said, “Definitely. Family audiences can watch EPIC. Since the film talks about a live-in relationship, it may not be as clean an entertainer as 90s. However, director Aditya has shown only what is required for the story while keeping family audiences in mind. There are no uncomfortable scenes. Families can definitely watch the movie.”

“Kadali Taught Me to Believe in Myself”

Vaishnavi revealed that her character also taught her an important lesson: “I usually feel a little scared to speak openly about certain things. Through Kadali, I learnt that we must first believe in ourselves and be confident.”

She further added, “There have already been many films featuring independent women. What makes EPIC different is Kadali’s journey. She is like an ocean, dealing with a problem in her life and finding a way to move forward. The character also carries a meaningful message.”

“Working Under the Sithara Banner Again Is Special”

Speaking about producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, she said, “I am very happy to work with the Sithara banner. Naga Vamsi garu gives everyone a lot of freedom. He never compromises when it comes to the film. His only focus is on ensuring that the output is good.”

Recalling her association with the banner, she said, “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo gave me the hope that everyone can set big goals in life and achieve them. Experiencing something like this in my own life is extremely happy and difficult to express in words.”

Upcoming Projects

On her upcoming films, Vaishnavi said, “I am currently doing a film with Nithiin garu under the Sithara banner. I am also working on two Tamil films and one Hindi film.”

‘EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER’ is all set for a grand worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.