Epic: First Semester First Talk.. How Is This Modern Love Story?

Starring Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, ‘Epic: First Semester’ explores modern relationships, live-in relationships, family expectations and the pressures faced by young people. The story begins in the world of ‘#90s – A Middle Class Biopic’ and follows Aditya (Anand Deverakonda), who dreams of becoming a filmmaker but leaves for London to pursue higher studies as a practical Plan B. At the university, he meets Kadali (Vaishnavi Chaitanya), a Telugu girl, and the two gradually grow close before entering a live-in relationship. The film focuses on how their relationship evolves and the choices they make about love and marriage. The first half delivers several humorous moments, while the second half leans more towards emotional conflicts involving relationships, family and marriage. However, the narrative feels stretched in places.

Director Aditya Hasan touches upon several relevant issues, including caste-based attitudes, the social and physical challenges faced by women, and the pressures young men experience. However, most of these subjects are addressed only on the surface rather than explored in depth. Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya deliver natural and mature performances, while Shivaji and Vasuki make an impact in their limited but important roles. Kalyan Shankar and Srinivas Gavireddy provide comic relief. Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music and Azeem Mohammed’s visuals are among the film’s strengths, supported by good production values. However, the screenplay lacks the pace needed to sustain the narrative. The attempt to present the story across two semesters also makes it feel somewhat incomplete. Overall, ‘Epic: First Semester’ has interesting themes and good performances, but its slow and incomplete storytelling limits its impact.