Epic First Semester movie review: Terribly slow film with a deliberately incomplete end

Every year, countless Telugu students fly to the UK, US, Canada and Australia to pursue a master's degree abroad, funded by their parents' assets and loans. However, the harsh reality that awaits them is rarely discussed. Adjusting to domestic duties, handling emotional strain, forming relationships that stem from convenience, and experiencing a career that falls short of the university's promises, these students slowly transform into someone their parents wouldn't recognize.

Epic First Semester focuses on these transformations. The narrative revolves around two young Indians, Aditya and Kadali, who attempt to build a relationship in a foreign land, a language that doesn't fully belong to them, without the support of family, community, or anyone familiar with their situation. Anand Deverakonda portrays Aditya, a naive and easy-going individual who aspires to become a film director.

His parents desire him to pursue further education, which he reluctantly accepts for their sake. In London, he encounters Kadali, a strong, independent woman played by Vaishnavi Chaitanya. Their contrasting personalities create an intriguing mix of attraction and confrontation. The film follows their relationship through its various stages: the initial excitement, ego clashes, adjustments, intimacy, and the inevitable confrontation with reality.

The story concludes with a chapter break, paving the way for Epic Final Semester as the sequel. Anand Deverakonda's casting is apt. His portrayal of innocence, slightly awkward charm, and the subtle reactions to Vaishnavi's directness with a mix of confusion and admiration are convincing. Vaishnavi Chaitanya delivers a solid performance as Kadali, bringing conviction to her role and creating a reliable chemistry with Anand.

However, the screenplay doesn't push Kadali far enough. She is described as strong and independent, but the film doesn't test her strength or independence adequately, leaving her as a well-defined character on paper that needs a stronger screenplay to truly shine. The supporting cast, including Sivaji and Vasuki as family members, is functional but underdeveloped.

Their better writing could have added emotional depth to the story. While the interactions between the lead couple are the film's strongest aspect, the conversations can become repetitive without advancing the plot. The film addresses intimacy, female health, and the challenges of living together as young people in a foreign country, handling these sensitive topics candidly, which is a positive for Telugu cinema.

Yet, the film's main issue is its sluggish pace. Despite engaging conversations, the story circles the same emotional ground without progressing. When conflict finally occurs in the pre-climax and climax, the emotional moments work because Anand and Vaishnavi deliver effectively. However, they arrive after an hour of the film dragging, testing the audience's patience.

The ending is intentionally incomplete, with a sequel announcement but no resolution. Although Hesham Abdul Wahab's music is a consistent technical strength, with well-composed and well-placed songs, the film heavily relies on conversations and quiet emotional moments. This reliance on pacing issues, both in writing and editing, detracts from the overall impact.

Epic First Semester boasts the right pair, music, and intentions but falls short with its screenplay. The chemistry between Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya remains their greatest asset, and the film's frank treatment of young relationships is refreshing in Telugu cinema. However, the deliberately incomplete ending leaves much to be desired in terms of closure.