EPIC – First Semester Gets A Certificate: Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya’s Film Clears Censor Formalities

Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya are set to return as a pair with EPIC – First Semester, a romantic drama directed by Aditya Hasan. With the film preparing for its worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026, the makers have completed the censor formalities. The film has received an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), making it an adults-only theatrical release.

The certification has added another point of curiosity around a film that explores romance, relationships and the emotional complications faced by two young people.

Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya Return Together

EPIC – First Semester brings Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya together after their earlier collaboration in Baby. However, the upcoming movie follows a different storyline and presents the actors in new characters.

Anand plays Aditya, a young man from Wanaparthy who has an interest in filmmaking. At the insistence of his parents, he travels to the UK to pursue higher education. His life takes an unexpected turn after he meets Kadali, played by Vaishnavi Chaitanya.

What begins as an acquaintance gradually develops into a relationship, taking the story into more mature territory.

What Is the Story of EPIC – First Semester?

The film revolves around Aditya and Kadali and the changing dynamics of their relationship. Their connection develops while they are in the UK, eventually becoming an intimate relationship.

However, their journey does not remain smooth. Circumstances create a rift between the two, leading to a breakup.

The central questions surrounding the story are what causes their separation and whether the two eventually find a way back to each other. Rather than presenting a straightforward romantic journey, the film appears to focus on the emotional consequences of the choices made by its central characters.

The makers have also indicated beforehand that the story will conclude at an unexpected point rather than offering a conventional complete ending.

Why Did EPIC Receive an A Certificate?

The CBFC reviewed the film before its theatrical release and reportedly raised objections to some of its romantic sequences and dialogues. The board also suggested removing a reference involving caste.

According to the report, the filmmakers were unwilling to make changes that they felt could affect the story or its intended content. The movie subsequently received clearance with certain restrictions and was awarded an A certificate.

An A certificate means the film is intended exclusively for audiences aged 18 and above. Viewers below 18 will not be permitted to watch the movie in theatres.

The certification is particularly significant because the film deals openly with an adult relationship and includes romantic content that the makers consider important to the narrative.

Two-and-a-Half-Hour Runtime

EPIC – First Semester has a reported runtime of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, or around 150 minutes.

The runtime allows the film to explore the relationship between its leads while also making room for emotional and family-drama elements. The movie is positioned as a youthful romantic story rather than a conventional light-hearted entertainer.

Romance and Emotional Drama at the Centre

The relationship between Anand and Vaishnavi's characters is expected to remain the main focus of the film. Their chemistry is one of the elements generating interest ahead of the release.

Alongside the romantic track, actors Shivaji and Vasuki are part of the cast, bringing a family-drama component to the story. The music is another important part of the film, with Hesham Abdul Wahab handling the score.

The technical team also includes cinematographer Azeem Mohammad and editor Navin Nooli.

Aditya Hasan Makes His Theatrical Directorial Debut

The movie is directed by Aditya Hasan, who gained recognition through the 90s series. With EPIC – First Semester, he makes his transition to the big screen as a director.

The film is produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments, Srikara Studios and Fortune Four Cinemas.

The combination of a young romantic storyline, the Baby pair and an adults-only certification has given the film a distinct identity ahead of its release.

EPIC – First Semester Release Date

EPIC – First Semester is scheduled to arrive in theatres worldwide on September 11, 2026.

With Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya returning together, the film will be closely watched by audiences who enjoyed their previous pairing. At the same time, its A certificate signals that the new movie is targeting a more mature audience and intends to explore its relationship drama with fewer restrictions.

Whether EPIC – First Semester can create the same impact as the lead pair's previous collaboration will ultimately depend on how audiences respond to its story, performances and emotional treatment when it reaches theatres.