Anand Deverakonda on Epic – first semester: I want the strike rate at the box office to be higher

A day before the release of director Aditya Haasan’s Telugu film. Epic – First SemesterActor Anand Deverakonda has wrapped up a long series of interviews but dismisses any thoughts of fatigue. “I’m ready to talk about this film. It may sound cliché, but I really enjoyed working with this team,” says Anand as we finally begin our conversation in Hyderabad.

At the pre-release event, he gets excited as he remembers leaving home to get his master’s degree in the United States. IN Epiche plays a student who heads to the UK for higher education, in a character inspired by Aditya. “Several factors combined to make me emotional,” says Anand. “I loved making this film and I will miss this team. Epic this is Sithara Entertainments fifth release this year. We initially considered a February release but pushed it back to accommodate other films. It was a long wait.” He pauses before adding that meeting his brother, actor Vijay Deverakonda, at the event was also emotional.

Anand Deverakonda | Photo credit: Special Arrangement

Anand remembers how his parents and brother saw him off at the airport when he flew to the United States. “It was my first flight and my first international trip. Many students and families know this experience. I was scared to leave the comfort of home. I borrowed money from my brother, Mother (uncle) and pedamma (aunt) and felt responsible for completing her studies, finding a job and paying for it. We all showed courage at the airport. My family advised me to focus on my studies, eat well and not be stressed. But we all know the fears deep inside. Aditya captured these small moments in Epic“

For the uninitiated, the characters played by Anand and his parents in Epic are a continuation of the familiar characters from Aditya’s debut web series. 90s: middle class biopicwhich was inspired by his childhood.

A slow burning love story

Anand is calling Epic a coming of age story and a slow love story that reunites him with his Baby co-star Vaishnavi Chaitanya. He describes Baby as a “massive love story” where its not-so-subtle emotional outbursts sparked controversy. IN EpicHowever, his gentle character is closer to Sekhar Kammula’s character. “That’s exactly how I interpreted the character when Aditya narrated it to me,” says Anand. “I found him innocent. This is intentional.”

Anand paraphrases producer Naga Vamsi’s description Epic as a “commercial experiment” and says Aditya avoids the usual stereotypes associated with stories about NRI students. ” 90s the web series was realistic and depicted situations that the audience could relate to. Epic It also has fewer cinematic moments.”

The film explores how students who move abroad in their 20s cope with changes in lifestyle, food and financial responsibilities. “How do you deal with all these forms that you become later on,” says Anand.

Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya in Epic – First Semester | Photo credit: Special Arrangement

Among the new age romantic dramas and coming of age stories, he names Malayalam films. Hridayamtamil movie TiruchithrambalamTelugu movie Friendly couple and korean movie Past Lives like loved ones. EpicHe says he’s driven by conversations.

The film is also a box office success for both Anand and Vaishnavi. Middle class ringtones And Baby remain one of Anand’s most popular films. “I definitely want the box office to be higher,” he admits. “Looking back, each film helped me grow as an actor and understand people better.”

Soon

Next Takshakudumystical folklore thriller with Middle class ringtones directed by Vinod Ananthoy. Originally slated for theatrical release, the film is now expected to hit Netflix during the holiday season. “Vinod has created a distinct visual world with a distinct soundscape. We believe the film will find its audience, whether it releases in theaters or digitally.”

Anand is also reuniting with Aditya Haasan for another film. “He will write the script for the film, but it will be directed by a debutant,” he says. An Indian-Korean film is also in the works and Anand hopes that these films will help strengthen his position in Telugu cinema. “Epic designed to work as a standalone film even for those who haven’t seen it 90s. I hope that in this day and age of alpha male characters, people will start to warm up to the softer characters I portray and that this film will age well.”