Release Date: May 1, 2025 | Director: Sailesh Kolanu | Cast: Nani, Srinidhi Shetty, Surya Srinivas, Rao Ramesh | Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller | Rating: 3/5
If you’re a fan of the HIT franchise, you’ve probably been eagerly waiting for HIT: The Third Case to hit theaters. With Natural Star Nani taking the lead as the fierce cop Arjun Sarkaar, directed by Sailesh Kolanu, this third installment promised a thrilling ride packed with action, gore and suspense. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Well, it’s a mixed bag a film that shines in parts but stumbles in others. Let’s check into this HIT 3 review to break it down, keeping it real, simple and honest.
What’s HIT: The Third Case About?
HIT: The Third Case is the third chapter in Sailesh Kolanu’s HIT (Homicide Intervention Team) universe, following the success of HIT: The First Case (starring Vishwak Sen) and HIT: The Second Case (starring Adivi Sesh). This time, Nani steps into the shoes of SP Arjun Sarkaar, a tough-as-nails cop from Visakhapatnam who’s sent to Jammu and Kashmir to tackle a chilling case involving serial killers and the abduction of a nine-month-old baby. The story unfolds with intense investigations, brutal action sequences and a darker, more aggressive side of Nani’s character. With a runtime of 2 hours and 37 minutes and an ‘A’ certification for its violent content, HIT 3 is not for the faint-hearted.
The film shifts gears from the whodunit style of the first two films, focusing less on “who” committed the crime and more on “how” and “why” it was done. This structural change, as Nani himself mentioned in interviews, sets HIT 3 apart but also divides its audience.
The Good: Nani’s One-Man Show and Technical Brilliance
Let’s start with the star of the show: Nani. If there’s one reason to watch HIT 3, it’s him. Nani delivers a powerhouse performance as Arjun Sarkaar, bringing raw intensity, swagger & emotional depth to the role. Whether he’s smashing criminals in high-octane action scenes or showing a softer side in personal moments, Nani carries the film on his shoulders. His bold, profanity-laced dialogues in the first half are a hit with younger audiences and the pre-climax action sequence is pure adrenaline.
The film’s technical aspects are another highlight. Cinematographer Sanu John Varghese captures the rugged terrains of Jammu and Kashmir with stunning visuals, creating a moody, atmospheric backdrop that enhances the thriller vibe. The art direction is top-notch, especially in the second half’s “Squid Game” inspired survival setup, which adds a fresh twist to the narrative. The action choreography is gritty and well-executed, justifying the ‘A’ certificate with its brutal, no-holds-barred sequences. Fans have praised the “blood bath” in the second half as worth the ticket price.
Sailesh Kolanu shines in the police procedural segments, particularly in the first half, where the investigative thriller elements are gripping and engaging. The screenplay moves at a breakneck pace, setting up an exciting premise involving a clash between the police and a sinister group of serial killers. Surprise cameos (without spoiling, let’s just say they’re from the HIT universe) add a fun layer for fans, with theaters reportedly erupting in cheers.
The Not-So-Good: Where HIT 3 Misses the Mark
Despite its strengths, HIT 3 doesn’t quite hit the high notes of the first two films in the franchise. The biggest letdown is the shift in tone and structure. While the earlier HIT films were edge-of-the-seat whodunits that kept you guessing until the end, HIT 3 reveals the killer, motive and backstory early on, making the second half feel more like an action-driven survival tale than a detective thriller. This change, as Kolanu explained, was intentional but it strips away the curiosity and intensity that made the HIT franchise so addictive.
Another major drawback is the romantic subplot involving Srinidhi Shetty’s character, Mrudula. While Srinidhi does her best, her role feels like an unnecessary speed bump that disrupts the pacing. The chemistry between Nani and Srinidhi adds some emotional weight but the romantic track feels forced and eats up valuable screen time that could’ve been used to deepen the investigation or action. Many fans, including myself, felt that a stronger female character like Varsha (already present in the story) could’ve been utilized better instead of shoehorning in a love interest.
The background score by Mickey J. Meyer is another sore point. While the second half’s BGM works well during action scenes, the first half feels underwhelming and key moments like cameo reveals and the climactic “blood bath” deserved more powerful music to elevate the experience.
The antagonist’s characterization is also a weak link. Unlike the menacing villains in the first two HIT films, the serial killers in HIT 3 don’t feel threatening enough to challenge Arjun Sarkaar. This makes the stakes feel lower and the second half’s “Squid Game”-like setup, while visually striking, comes off as predictable and logic-defying at times.
Finally, the glimpse into the fourth HIT case, teased at the end feels underwhelming and doesn’t generate the same excitement as the previous films’ setups. Fans were hoping for a bigger hook to keep the HITverse momentum going.
How Does HIT 3 Compare to the HIT Franchise?
The HIT franchise has built a loyal fanbase with its tightly woven investigative thrillers, compelling characters and gripping plots. HIT: The First Case set the bar high with Vishwak Sen’s brooding cop tackling a gruesome crime, while HIT: The Second Case impressed with Adivi Sesh’s laidback yet sharp officer. HIT 3 tries to break the mold by focusing on character-driven action and emotional depth rather than pure detective work, but this shift doesn’t fully resonate with fans who loved the franchise for its “who did it?” suspense.
That said, HIT 3 still delivers as a theatrical experience, especially for Nani fans and action lovers. The film’s raw, realistic portrayal of crime and justice, combined with Nani’s commanding performance, makes it a worthwhile watch, even if it doesn’t surpass its predecessors.
Why You Should Watch HIT 3
If you’re a Nani fan, HIT 3 is a must-watch for his terrific performance alone. The film’s high-octane action, stunning visuals and gripping first half make it a solid theatrical experience, especially if you enjoy gritty crime thrillers with a dose of gore. The cameos are a delightful surprise and the “Squid Game”-inspired second half, while flawed offers some thrilling moments.
If you’re expecting the same nail-biting suspense and clever detective work as the first two HIT films, you might be disappointed. The shift to a more action-heavy, character-driven narrative works for some but feels like a departure from the HITverse’s core essence.
Final Verdict: 3/5
HIT: The Third Case is a bold, experimental addition to the HIT franchise that doesn’t quite hit the mark but still delivers enough to keep you engaged. Nani’s stellar performance, combined with strong visuals and intense action, makes it a decent watch, but the weak antagonist, unnecessary romantic track and lackluster BGM hold it back from greatness. Sailesh Kolanu deserves credit for trying something new, but tighter editing and a sharper second half could’ve made this a standout thriller.
For fans of Nani and action-packed crime dramas, HIT 3 is worth the ticket pric. Just don’t expect the same investigative thrill that made the HITverse iconic. Here’s hoping HIT 4 recaptures that magic.
Quick Facts About HIT: The Third Case
- Director: Sailesh Kolanu
- Cast: Nani, Srinidhi Shetty, Surya Srinivas, Rao Ramesh, Adil Pala, Brahmaji, Maganti Srinath
- Music: Mickey J. Meyer
- Cinematography: Sanu John Varghese
- Runtime: 2 hours 37 minutes
- Release Date: May 1, 2025
- Languages: Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada
Where to Watch HIT 3
HIT: The Third Case is currently playing in theaters across India and worldwide in multiple languages. Check showtimes on platforms like BookMyShow for screenings near you. After its theatrical run, the film will be available for streaming on Netflix.