Cannes, May 24 (IANS): Indian filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan's indie project "Masaan", centred around a group of people in Varanasi, was awarded the International Federation of Film Critics (Fipresci) award at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival on Saturday.

Actress Richa Chadha, who features in a key role in the film, says the team feels "blessed".

"#MasaanAtCannes just got the Fipresci award, given by the international critics. #blessed :-) team, take a bow," Richa tweeted.

Showcased in the UnCertain Regard section at the movie gala, "Masaan" received a five-minute standing ovation post its screening here, leaving Richa and Ghaywan in tears of joy.

Ghaywan's debut feature project, "Masaan" is set in Varanasi and follows the stories of four people from a small town and how they fit in to the moralities.

It also features Shweta Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra and Vicky Kaushal.

It is an Indian-French co-production with names like Manish Mundra of Drishyam Films, Macassar Productions, Phantom Films, Sikhya Entertainment, Arte France Cinema and Pathe productions.

The top prizes for the main selection at the gala will be awarded on Sunday night during the closing ceremony at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. Jury presidents Joel and Ethan Coen will announce the winners, reports hollywoodreporter.com.