The Telugu romantic drama Epic – First Semester, starring Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, is set to make its digital debut on Netflix on October 9, 2026. The film arrived in theatres on September 11, making its OTT premiere less than a month after its theatrical release.
The movie marks the reunion of the popular Baby pair, Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya. Directed by Aditya Hasan, Epic – First Semester is his first feature film after gaining recognition for the web series 90s: A Middle Class Biopic.
Epic OTT Release Date and Platform
Epic – First Semester will start streaming on Netflix from October 9, 2026. The digital release comes just weeks after the film’s theatrical debut.
Produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Media, the film is expected to reach a wider audience through its Netflix premiere, especially viewers who missed it in theatres.
What Is Epic – First Semester About?
The story follows Aditya, an aspiring filmmaker from Wanaparthy in Telangana. Determined to pursue higher studies, he travels to the UK after taking a substantial loan.
His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Kadali, a young woman with considerably more experience of the world. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of life far away from home.
The film explores love, independence, financial struggles, and uncertain futures, while also focusing on the challenges faced by young people trying to build a life abroad.
The tagline of the film describes it as an unfinished story, and the makers deliberately leave the ending open-ended.
Baby Pair Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya Return
One of the biggest attractions of Epic – First Semester is the return of Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya as an on-screen pair after their popular collaboration in Baby.
Their chemistry was among the aspects appreciated by audiences and critics. However, opinions were divided over the film’s slow-paced narrative and open ending.
Epic Theatrical Response
Epic – First Semester was released in cinemas on September 11, 2026. Despite considerable anticipation surrounding the reunion of the Baby actors, the film received a mixed response.
While some reviews appreciated the natural performances and chemistry between the lead actors, others felt that the narrative moved slowly. The incomplete ending also became a talking point among viewers.
The film’s theatrical run ultimately fell short of the expectations surrounding its release.
Epic – First Semester Cast and Crew
Apart from Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, the film features Sivaji, Vasuki, Srinivas Gavireddy and Kalyan Shankar in important roles. Hesham Abdul Wahab composed the music for the film.
For director Aditya Hasan, Epic – First Semester marks his transition from web content to feature filmmaking. His earlier work on 90s: A Middle Class Biopic had brought him recognition among Telugu audiences.
Epic Final Semester Sequel Already Announced
Interestingly, the story is not necessarily intended to end with Epic – First Semester. A sequel titled Epic Final Semester was announced even before the first film’s theatrical release.
Producer Naga Vamsi revealed during the film’s success meet that the team was aware it was making an experimental film. The makers planned to observe how audiences responded to the movie in theatres and later on Netflix before taking a final call on continuing the story.
This makes the Netflix response particularly important for the future of the franchise.
With its Netflix premiere scheduled for October 9, Epic – First Semester will get a second opportunity to connect with audiences after its mixed theatrical reception.
The film’s Anand Deverakonda-Vaishnavi Chaitanya reunion, overseas setting, romantic storyline and open-ended conclusion could attract viewers who prefer contemporary relationship dramas.