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Kanche backdrop

Kanche

23 October 2015Telugu1h 59m
DramaHistoryRomance
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 12 scored reviews · 1 not rated

Visually bold WWII drama let down by weak execution.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: technical values and novel backdrop
  • Criticised: weak execution and slow pacing

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Critic consensus

What 13 critics are saying

Critical reception for Kanche is moderately positive, with most reviewers acknowledging the film's ambition in bringing a World War II backdrop to mainstream Telugu cinema. Technical values, visuals, Varun Tej's performance, and the novel storyline are the most frequently cited strengths across reviews. However, a recurring criticism is that the film falls short in execution — with complaints about slow pacing, lack of emotional depth, and a narration that fails to fully capitalise on its promising premise. Several critics note that the film appeals primarily to niche, discerning audiences rather than mainstream viewers.

How the 12 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 13 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (13)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. 123Telugu

    Film review ·

    Tollywood has become an industry which is no longer associated with only commercial entertainers. Films like Baahubali, Rudrama Devi and now Kanche, have pushed the boundaries beyond everyone's expectations. Krish should be truly appreciated for attempting a film which takes Telugu films to another level. A realistic back drop, gripping visuals and stunning performance by Varun Tej are major assets. Barring the slow narration, Kanche is a film which is devoid of masala entertainment and should be given a shot for its daring and different attempt.

  2. India Glitz

    Film review ·

    A soul-stirring film that pushes the envelope. Class stuff with high technical values. Sai Madhav Burra and Sirivennela complement Krish's narration of a mind-numbing Nazi pursuit and the 'kanche' in an Indian village.

  4. FilmiBeat

    Film review ·

    Reiterating the point that Krish has taken Tollywood a step higher with his meaningful films, his Kanche is another movie from him that touches the lives and makes us wonder if we have really grown as a society from the past 70 years.

  5. Great Andhra

    Film review ·

    All in all, Krish has once again come up with a different movie with novel storyline. It appeals the film lovers and class audiences only.

  7. IdleBrain

    Film review ·

    First half of the film is nice with a good narration and an interesting screenplay. We expect the proceedings in second half to intensify as the climax progresses. The latter part of second half appears hurried up and is devoid of emotion. Director Krish should be appreciated for a brave attempt and for narrating a love story with WWII backdrop. On whole, Kanche is brave film with good technical values.

  8. Telugu Mirchi

    Film review ·

    Even though there is no commercial angle in the film, Kanche must be truly appreciated for its hard work. It is really a different attempt from Krish. He should be appreciated for making such a film in the times where only commercial films attain success at the box-office. However, Varun Tej's matured performance, stunning visuals, realistic war sequences and a bit of Pragya Jaiswal glamour make the film a watchable one.

  9. TeluguCinema

    Film review ·

    Kanche is a period love saga with a quite different backdrop. Novel storyline, rich making values, some good dialogues are its assets, but slow pace and excessive war drama tests the patience. Suitable only for discerning audiences.

  10. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Kanche is a daring attempt for mainstream Tollywood cinema. While there's an interesting story which is told really well, you will be left with the lingering feeling that it could have been a lot better.

  11. Ap Herald

    Film review ·

    Kanche is another film where the plot is challenging and paper work is good but falls short in execution. Acting in most parts is acceptable but the film never tries to captivate its audience through its narration. The story progresses on predictable lines and things become boring, after a while. In short, it can be safely said that Kanche is Krish's weakest work so far in his career (Only after his Bollywood film Gabbar). But it's quite normal that you tend to forget the flaws and appreciate the best things about Kanche, due to its underlying honesty. It may not be there among the best, but the hard work that has gone into its making needs a dab.

  12. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    Kanche is an exciting and challenging project on paper but falls short due to poor execution. The gripping script needed for a War backdrop film is missing and so it the usual emotional depth in Krish films. We definitely need to appreciate the attempt but Kanche is Krish's weakest film till date.

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