Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya star in Epic – First Semester , which is a Telugu drama about love, friendship, higher education and the emotional challenges Indian students face abroad. Set in London, this film tries to represent the less glamorous side of student life outside one's home country.

Epic First Semester Plot

The story revolves around Aditya (Anand Deverakonda), a young man who dreams of becoming a filmmaker. However, he fails to achieve success in this field and instead, decides to move to London for higher studies, under the pressure of his family.

Being in a foreign country teaches him a thing or two; as he adjusts to the new environment and tackles day-to-day struggles, Aditya begins to realize that his life is going to change forever.

While in London, he meets Kadali (Vaishnavi Chaitanya), a confident and independent girl who is nothing like Aditya used to be used to. The two are very different from each other but eventually, an unexpected bond begins to form between them.

Aditya and Kadali's relationship is the prime focus of Epic – First Semester . As the story unfolds, the romance between the young lovers begins to emerge, along with misunderstandings, emotional turmoil and major decisions.

Anand Deverakonda as Aditya

Anand Deverakonda portrays Aditya in a believable and down-to-earth manner. In my opinion, he looks and seems just like an ordinary guy who gets lost in a foreign land and has to fight for himself to survive.

His naïve and innocent look, combined with subtle gestures fits perfectly with the role of a struggling youngster. After his successful roles in Baby and Middle Class Melodies , Anand Deverakonda delivers a character-driven performance, which is full of real emotions. For once, he did not try to act like a macho hero but rather, a common guy.

Vaishnavi Chaitanya and the Role of Kadali

Vaishnavi Chaitanya's energy and enthusiasm fill the screen as she portrays a strong and independent Kadali. This is not the first time I've seen Vaishnavi act, but she fits her role so well this time that I forgot she was actually acting!

Her chemistry with Anand Deverakonda is amazing, especially when you consider that the two had contrasting personalities. However, there is something that could be improved about her role in the film. I think Kadali's character could have been developed better in the screenplay.

Epic – First Semester and Student Life in London

Speaking of role development, one of the things I like most about Epic – First Semester is how real it is. This movie does not portray the sparkling and enjoyable life people used to imagine for themselves in foreign countries. Instead, Epic – First Semester shows the other side of the coin, which is highly relevant to students who have already been through such experiences.

Studying abroad is not as easy as one thinks. It is a true challenge to be alone in a foreign land and make a living out of nowhere. Not to forget the emotional struggles that come with living outside one's home country.

I find this aspect of the film extremely relatable, as well as many young people will understand the message behind this movie.

Reviewing Epic First Semester: Where Did It Go Wrong?

The major flaw in the film, at least for me, was its slow narration. I personally did not find it interesting to follow the life of an ordinary guy who is just finding his way in the world. Epic – First Semester did not drag you into the story; rather, it made you feel that you are wasting your time watching it.

To elaborate, some parts of the movie seemed too dragged-out to me. It is a known fact that a movie with a strong concept will always work; however, I think the screenwriters could have done a better job.

One last thing that bothered me about the film is its conclusion. Epic – First Semester is far from being over since it is only the first part of what is supposed to be a series. The film ends right in the middle of major developments, which actually leaves the viewers hanging.

Epic First Semester Review

Epic – First Semester is essentially a realistic drama about Indian students, relationships and life in foreign countries. I think Anand Deverakonda acted really well in his lead role, while Vaishnavi Chaitanya added energy and enthusiasm to the movie. The main highlight was definitely the chemistry between the two leads, which kept the story engaging and entertaining.

However, it was the realistic concept that made me like the film even more. While the film's narration kept me at a distance a bit, I find the overall idea and message very relatable. Thus, I would say that Epic – First Semester is a youth drama about student life abroad that features great performances from its lead actors, heartfelt message and an engaging concept that could have been developed better due to slow narration.

Epic First Semester Rating: 2.5/5

Verdict: A realistic concept of studying abroad and the struggles Indian students have to overcome outside of their home country, with excellent performances from Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, but too slow of a narration to fully deliver its message