The makers of the Telugu romantic film Epic have confirmed a theatrical release date of September 11. Starring Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, the project has generated steady interest as both a reunion of the lead pair after the success of Baby and a spin-off connected to the popular web series 90’s – A Middle Class Biopic. Positioned as a coming-of-age love story with the tagline First Semester, the film aims to blend youthful emotion, humour and cultural observation against an overseas backdrop.
A Reunion Built on Earlier Success
Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya first struck a chord with audiences in Baby, a film that became one of the more notable surprise successes in recent Telugu cinema. Their easy on-screen chemistry and the film’s focus on relatable young adult experiences helped it connect strongly with younger viewers. Epic marks their return as a lead pair, raising expectations that the same natural rapport will carry over into a new story.
In Epic, Anand plays Aditya, described as a middle-class student and short-film director navigating life abroad. Vaishnavi portrays Kadali, an independent young woman whose personality and expectations create both contrast and connection with Aditya. Early promotional material has highlighted moments of everyday romance, friendship and the gentle friction that arises when traditional family expectations meet life in a different country.
Links to the 90’s Universe
One of the film’s distinctive talking points is its connection to Aditya Haasan’s well-received web series 90’s – A Middle Class Biopic. In that series, the character of Aditya, originally played by Rohan Roy, resonated with audiences for its grounded portrayal of middle-class life and family dynamics. Epic continues the journey of that character into a new phase, with Anand Deverakonda taking on the older version of Aditya.
Actors Sivaji and Vasuki, who featured in parental roles in the series, return in similar capacities. Their presence is expected to provide continuity and emotional familiarity for viewers who followed the original story. The decision to expand a popular character from the digital space into a full theatrical feature reflects a growing trend of building cinematic narratives from established online properties that already carry audience goodwill.
Setting and Story Approach
A significant portion of Epic has been shot overseas, with the narrative centred on student life in the United Kingdom. Promotional glimpses place Aditya in a university environment, dealing with the mix of freedom, responsibility and homesickness that often accompanies studying far from home. Video-call sequences with his parents in India have been highlighted for their humorous and affectionate tone, underscoring the film’s interest in the everyday rather than high-stakes drama.
The story is being presented as a clean, heartfelt romance that explores contrasting personalities and the gradual development of a relationship. Kadali is characterised as self-assured and clear about her direction, while Aditya’s journey involves finding his footing both personally and creatively. The makers have emphasised relatability, suggesting the film will focus on the small, recognisable moments that define young love and self-discovery.
Creative Team and Production
Epic marks the feature directorial debut of Aditya Haasan, who previously established his storytelling voice through the 90’s series. The transition from web series to theatrical feature brings both opportunity and scrutiny, as audiences and critics will look to see how the intimate, character-driven style of the series translates to the big screen.
The film is produced by Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the banners of Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas. Music is composed by Hesham Abdul Wahab, whose early tracks from the film have already drawn positive responses and helped build anticipation. Cinematography is handled by Azeem Mohammad, with editing by Navin Nooli. The technical team appears geared toward capturing both the vibrant overseas settings and the quieter emotional beats of the story.
Positioning in the Current Landscape
Telugu cinema has seen a range of romantic films in recent years, from high-concept entertainers to more intimate dramas. Epic is being positioned closer to the latter, with an emphasis on emotional honesty and everyday relatability. The combination of a proven lead pair, a director expanding a familiar character universe, and a setting that allows for both humour and reflection gives the project a distinct identity.
The September 11 release date places the film in a competitive window, yet the absence of certain larger titles around that time has given it a relatively clear theatrical path. For Anand Deverakonda, the film represents a continued effort to build a career on character-driven stories rather than relying solely on star-driven formulas. For Vaishnavi Chaitanya, it offers another opportunity to portray a contemporary young woman whose independence and emotional clarity form a central part of the narrative.
Anticipation and Expectations
Promotional material released so far—including a teaser and songs—has focused on mood, chemistry and light humour rather than plot reveals. The approach has kept interest alive without over-explaining the story. Viewers familiar with the 90’s series will likely approach the film with curiosity about how Aditya’s character has evolved, while fans of Baby will be watching for the same natural pairing that made the earlier film memorable.
Whether Epic ultimately delivers on its promise of a “most relatable love story” will be decided in theatres. What is already clear is that the project brings together several elements that currently resonate with audiences: a returning lead pair with proven chemistry, a director working with a character he knows well, a cross-cultural setting that feels contemporary, and a focus on emotional rather than spectacle-driven storytelling.
As the September 11 release approaches, Epic stands as one of the more closely watched romantic entertainers on the Telugu calendar. Its success will depend on how effectively it balances nostalgia for the 90’s world with a fresh chapter that stands on its own, and on whether Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya can once again make everyday romance feel immediate and true.
Read more – mahitinews.com
