Varun Tej-Krish's 'Kanche' wins Best Feature Film in Telugu National Award

Director Krish aka Radhakrishna Jagarlamudi's "Kanche," starring Varun Tej and Pragya Jaiswal, has bagged the National Award in the Best Feature Film in Telugu category.

The announcement was made at a conference Monday and the winners will be honoured at a May 3, 2016, function in Delhi. The makers of "Kanche" will be honoured with the "Silver Lotus Award (Rajat Kamal)", a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh on the occasion.

"Kanche" is a romance drama film set against the backdrop of World War II. The revolves around the story of Hari and Eshwar, two soldiers fighting the Nazi forces during World War II. Hari sacrifices his love and life to make a mistrustful Eshwar understand some truths about living in harmony.

Krish has written and directed "Kanche," which has been produced by Y Rajeev Reddy and J Sai Babu under the banner First Frame Entertainment. Varun Tej, Pragya Jaiswal and Nikitin Dheer have played the lead roles. Released in theatres Nov. 6, 2015, the movie has won critical acclaim and also made decent collection at the box office.

Varun Tej, who has played Dhupati Haribabu in "Kanche," is all thrilled over the movie winning a National Award. Soon after hearing the news, he took to his Twitter page to share his excitement. He wrote: "Humbled to be part of a national award-winning film thanks to the captain of #kanche @DirKrish and our entire team!!.. Thank you all! [sic]"

"Kanche" marked the acting debut of Pragya Jaiswal, who played the female lead in the movie. She was also equally thrilled by the news. She tweeted: "Just landed in this beautiful city #Hyderabad n heard the great news!! #Kanche wins national award!! Too much happiness and excitement [sic]"

An elated Pragya could not stop thanking the director, producers and other members of the film unit. She wrote: "Congratulations to the entire team of #Kanche @DirKrish @IAmVarunTej @YRajeevReddy1 @gnanashekarvs @bhattchirantan @vamsikaka @smkoneru N a big THANK U to @DirKrish for making me a part of this beautiful film!! #Kanche #dreamcometrue [sic]"

Many celebs from the Telugu film industry are happy with the jury of National Film Awards for honour the team of "Kanche." They took to Twitter to congratulate the team. Here are their comments:

Junior NTR: And a big thumbs up to KANCHE for winning the national award for the best Telugu film.

Sai Dharam Tej: A real proud moment for all Telugu people.Congratulations to team Bahubali and team kanche. @IAmVarunTej love you ra

Nikesha Patel: #Kanche Congratulations to the entire team of #Kanche..@IAmVarunTej @DirKrish @itsmepragya great news!!!!

Ramajogaiah Sastry: N congrats to #kanche team aswell @DirKrish :)

Niharika Konidela: #Kanche Wins National Award. Congratulations to the Team.

Devi Sri Prasad: CONGRATS @DirKrish & entire team of KANCHE for bagging d National Award 4 BEST TELUGU FILM !! What a lovely Film n U purely desrve it!!

Harish Shankar: Congrats Guys You made us proud @IAmVarunTej @DirKrish