After the huge success of Baby, Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya are reuniting for Epic: First Semester, a youthful romantic drama directed by Aditya Haasan, who impressed audiences with 90’s: A Middle Class Biopic.
Set against a college backdrop, the film promises a mix of romance, fun, and emotional moments. The makers have now officially locked September 11, 2026, as the theatrical release date.
Interestingly, Epic is taking over a release slot that earlier belonged to Vijay Deverakonda’s Rana Baali.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Rana Baali appears to have been postponed. A substantial portion of the shoot is still pending, and the recent injury to leading lady Rashmika Mandanna, who has been advised to take six weeks of rest, has further delayed production.
As a result, Rana Baali is now likely to target December or, more realistically, 2027.
Sensing the opportunity, producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi has moved quickly and grabbed the September 11 release window for Epic.
It also creates an interesting coincidence.
The younger Deverakonda will now reach theatres before his elder brother. While Vijay Deverakonda continues shooting one of his biggest action films, Anand Deverakonda gets a clean release window to capitalize on the goodwill created by Baby.
Apart from Anand and Vaishnavi, the film also stars Shivaji and Vasuki Anand, reuniting with Aditya Haasan after 90’s. Produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the film features music by Hesham Abdul Wahab.
With Rana Baali moving out of the way, Epic has landed an attractive release date. Now, the challenge is to convert that opportunity into another memorable success for Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya.
