How does it feel to achieve stardom as a Telugu actress?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: I am extremely happy. The support of my parents, the film industry and audiences has helped me reach this position. Several Telugu actresses are establishing their own identities in the industry, and I am proud to be one among them.
Tell us about Aditya and Kadali, the lead characters in EPIC.
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: Anand plays Aditya, a soft-spoken and calm young man. His journey becomes interesting because of what he learns through different life experiences. I play Kadali, a strong and clear-minded woman who knows what she wants and stands up for herself.
How closely does Kadali resemble your real-life personality?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: There is a Kadali in everyone. However, family expectations and social pressures often prevent that side of us from coming out. At some point, everyone must stand up for themselves. That quality makes Kadali very close to my heart.
What do you consider while selecting films after Baby?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: Both the story and my character must offer something new. I should be able to imagine myself in the role and connect with its journey. That was one of the main reasons I chose EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER.
How was your experience working with director Aditya Hasan?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: Working with Aditya is enjoyable. He observes life deeply and recognises the importance of even its smallest moments. The same quality is visible in EPIC. He shows how seemingly minor incidents between Aditya and Kadali influence their relationship.
He has a distinctive storytelling style and has become one of my favourite directors. I had not met him before he narrated EPIC to me, but I had already watched and loved his web series 90s.
Did reuniting with Anand Deverakonda after Baby create any pressure?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: Baby and EPIC are completely different films. We did not feel pressured, but we treated the new film as a challenge. If audiences watch us in EPIC without being reminded of Baby, we will consider that a success. We have always been confident that viewers will embrace this film.
How was it working with producer Naga Vamsi and Sithara Entertainments?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: I am delighted to work with the Sithara Entertainments banner. Naga Vamsi gives artists and technicians considerable creative freedom. He never compromises on the film’s requirements, and his primary concern is ensuring that the final output is strong.
How does it feel to progress from playing a sister in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo to becoming a lead actress under the same banner?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo gave me the confidence to set ambitious goals. It made me believe that big dreams can be achieved through determination. Experiencing that growth in my own career makes me extremely happy, and it is difficult to express the feeling in words.
What makes EPIC – FIRST SEMESTER different from other love stories?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: We have seen many love stories, but each memorable romance has something distinctive. EPIC follows two people with different backgrounds, paths and outlooks who travel to the UK for their studies, meet there and begin living together.
The film explores their personal conversations and contrasting perspectives. Kadali looks at life in one way, while Aditya sees it differently. How they meet and understand each other brings freshness to the story. The film avoids unnecessary extravagance and focuses on an emotionally engaging narrative.
What did you personally learn from playing Kadali?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: I am sometimes hesitant to speak openly about certain matters. Playing Kadali taught me that we must first believe in ourselves and face situations with confidence.
Cinema has already presented several independent female characters, but Kadali has a distinct emotional journey. Like the ocean suggested by her name, she has depth. When she encounters a serious problem, she finds the strength to move forward. Her journey also delivers a meaningful message.
Can family audiences watch EPIC?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: Definitely. Families can watch the film comfortably. Since the story discusses a live-in relationship, it may not be as completely clean and innocent as 90s. However, director Aditya Hasan has shown only what the narrative requires while keeping family viewers in mind. The film does not contain uncomfortable scenes.
What are your upcoming projects?
Vaishnavi Chaitanya: I am currently working with Nithiin under the Sithara Entertainments banner. I am also acting in two Tamil films and one Hindi film.
