The bond between the Deverakonda brothers has always been a point of intrigue in the Telugu film industry, but recent events prove that their connection goes far beyond simple sibling support. When Vijay Deverakonda stepped into the theatre to catch a screening of his younger brother Anand’s latest offering, Epic – First Semester, he wasn’t just showing up as a dutiful older brother—he left as a genuine fan of the storytelling.
In an industry often dominated by high-octane action and larger-than-life spectacle, Epic – First Semester has carved out a quiet, emotional niche. Directed by Aditya Haasan, the film stars Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, offering a grounded look at the messy, beautiful reality of transitioning into adulthood. For Vijay, who is no stranger to intense onscreen personas, the experience of watching his brother navigate this narrative was apparently transformative enough to move him to tears.
A Brother’s Emotional Testimony
Vijay Deverakonda’s reaction, shared via Instagram Stories, was raw and uncharacteristic of the usual “promotional” fluff actors post for their peers. He didn’t just label the film a “hit”; he dissected why it struck a chord.
“Epicccc. What a beautiful movie,” he posted. He went on to highlight the film’s keen observation of the human condition, noting that director Aditya Haasan masterfully captured the specific, suffocating blend of ambition, fear, and confusion that defines the modern young adult.
Perhaps the most telling part of his review was his admission regarding the film’s emotional climax. “The bits with the family and the father and son’s phone call just made me cry,” he wrote. “So real. Such a beautiful POV.” By focusing on the intimate, often strained lines of communication between parents and children living miles apart, the film managed to bypass the usual cinematic tropes and land a direct hit on the sensibilities of an audience that knows exactly what that specific “phone call home” feels like.
Rashmika Mandanna Joins the Praise
Adding another layer of star power to the evening, Rashmika Mandanna joined Vijay for the screening. Her endorsement, which followed shortly after on social media, echoed the sentiment that Epic – First Semester is resonating because of its brutal honesty.
Rashmika took the time to unpack her reaction, specifically praising the film’s depiction of the “middle-class struggle” and the sacrifices made by families to send their children abroad for better prospects. For many, the film acts as a mirror, reflecting the heavy burden of expectation that comes with pursuing an education in a foreign land. She emphasized that the film’s portrayal of a man-woman relationship felt grounded rather than performative. Addressing the lead pair directly, she added, “It was such a good watch you guys! And Anand and Vaishu, all hearts to you guys! Congratulations!!”
The Rise of Aditya Haasan
While the Deverakonda brothers and Mandanna brought the star power, the architect behind the scenes is undoubtedly Aditya Haasan. Following the success of his digital venture, 90s – A Middle Class Biopic, Haasan has proven that he has a knack for capturing the zeitgeist of the Indian middle class without resorting to over-dramatization.
Epic – First Semester is his formal introduction to the big screen, and it seems the transition from web series auteur to feature film director has been seamless. Haasan’s work hinges on the idea that “relatability is king.” By focusing on the tectonic shifts in a young person’s life—career anxiety, the loneliness of being away from home, and the shifting dynamics of family support—he has created a project that feels less like a product and more like a memoir.
Box Office Performance and Longevity
Critiques and emotional testimonials aside, the cold, hard numbers suggest that audiences are responding just as enthusiastically as the celebrities. According to data from Sacnilk, Epic – First Semester has shown impressive stability at the box office.
By its second day, the film added over Rs 1.30 crore to its coffers, pushing its total India gross collections to an impressive Rs 3.95 crore. Globally, the film is already sitting at a respectable Rs 5.60 crore. While these figures might not challenge the multi-hundred-crore juggernauts that often dominate the headlines, for a film with a smaller scale and a character-driven premise, these numbers signal a strong “word-of-mouth” campaign. Since its release on September 11, 2026, the film has sustained interest in a way that suggests it will have a decent run in theaters, likely finding an even larger audience when it inevitably transitions to streaming platforms.
Why This Film Matters in Today’s Market
The success of Epic – First Semester signals a refreshing shift in Tollywood. There is a hunger for stories that aren’t afraid to be quiet. When A-list stars like Vijay and Rashmika champion a film not for its stunts, but for its emotional honesty, it shifts the focus of the conversation.
The film serves as a reminder that the most “epic” journeys aren’t always about saving the world; sometimes, they are about the simple, terrifying, and heart-wrenching process of figuring out who you are in a world that demands you have all the answers. By placing Anand Deverakonda in the center of this narrative, the film manages to bridge the gap between being a “star-led vehicle” and a “director’s passion project.”
As the film continues its theatrical run, it stands as a testament to the fact that when storytelling is tethered to reality, audiences—regardless of the size of the film—will show up, watch, and most importantly, feel.
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