Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya were originally set to lead Chennai Love Story, but the duo eventually exited the project to take on EPIC instead. This casting swap has now resulted in a stark box office contrast, with Chennai Love Story emerging as a blockbuster while EPIC struggles to find its footing.
Kiran Abbavaram and Sri Gowri Priya stepped in as the new leads for Chennai Love Story, which released a few days ago to strong audience response. Meanwhile, EPIC featuring Anand Deverakonda arrived in theatres yesterday, opening to significantly lower numbers.
EPIC Anand Deverakonda Opens at Half of Chennai Love Story
The box office comparison between the two films tells a revealing story. EPIC opened at less than half the collection level of Chennai Love Story, marking a surprising outcome given the initial casting connection.
| Film | Opening Day Gross | Full Run Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Love Story | ₹8+ Cr | ₹40+ Cr (achieved) |
| EPIC | ₹4 Cr | ₹20 Cr (projected) |
Chennai Love Story recorded an impressive opening of more than ₹8 Cr gross on day one, powered by strong word-of-mouth and positive reception. The film has already crossed the ₹40 Cr gross milestone in its theatrical run, becoming Kiran Abbavaram’s biggest hit.
In contrast, EPIC managed around ₹4 Cr on its opening day. Based on current trends, industry observers suggest the film may struggle to even touch ₹20 Cr gross in its complete theatrical run.
What This Means for Anand Deverakonda
For Anand Deverakonda, the timing couldn’t be more striking. While Chennai Love Story has become one of the surprise hits of the year, EPIC represents a missed opportunity in hindsight. The actor’s decision to exit the original project has led to continuous comparisons between the two films, with audiences and trade analysts closely watching both releases.
The significant difference in opening-day performances and overall collections highlights how casting choices and project selection can dramatically impact box office outcomes in Telugu cinema.
