Known as the ‘Natural Star’ of Telugu cinema, Nani has consistently impressed audiences with his versatility and intense screen presence. After hits like Dasara, Hi Nanna, and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, he returns with HIT: The Third Case (HIT 3)—a gritty action thriller that expands the popular HIT franchise. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, HIT 3 offers a gripping narrative, explosive action, and top-notch technical brilliance. With Nani’s commanding performance, Srinidhi Shetty’s glam presence, and Kolanu’s sharp direction, this film delivers a thrilling cinematic ride.
Story and Screenplay
The story centers around Arjun Sarkar (Nani), a ruthless and unrelenting Superintendent of Police in the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT) based in Visakhapatnam. Known for his short temper and determination, Arjun is assigned to investigate a disturbing series of murders in Jammu and Kashmir. As the trail leads to a group of serial killers, Arjun’s mental and physical grit are tested like never before.
Sailesh Kolanu steers away from the traditional ‘whodunit’ format of previous HIT entries, instead focusing on the ‘howdunit’ angle—a refreshing narrative shift that adds psychological depth. The first half is intense and fast-paced, with a gripping investigation that hooks the audience early. The interval block delivers a sharp twist. However, the second half slows down with scenes that some viewers felt echoed Squid Game, causing a mild sense of predictability.
Nani’s Performance
Nani delivers one of his most intense performances yet as Arjun Sarkar. His fierce eyes, clipped dialogue delivery, and raw energy in action sequences bring the character alive on screen. This role marks a strong deviation from his earlier family-friendly characters, portraying him instead as a rugged, morally complex cop with emotional baggage.
The pre-climax and climax scenes highlight Nani’s acting prowess and received thunderous applause in theaters. His massy one-liners and commanding presence made for several whistle-worthy moments. Though some longtime fans of the HIT franchise felt this film leaned more toward a commercial action template, Nani’s gripping performance remains the heart of the film.
Srinidhi Shetty and Supporting Cast
Srinidhi Shetty, known for her role in KGF, plays Nani’s love interest and adds a dose of elegance and charisma to the intense proceedings. While her chemistry with Nani works well on screen, the romantic subplot is underwritten and may feel like a detour for some viewers.
Veterans like Rao Ramesh, Brahmaji, and Maganti Srinath offer strong support, with Rao Ramesh stealing the spotlight in key scenes. However, the villain, despite being central to the plot, comes across as underwhelming. Lacking menace and depth, the antagonist fails to pose a significant threat, which slightly undermines the film’s emotional payoff.
Technical Aspects
Technically, HIT 3 is top-tier. Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography captures the rugged beauty and tension-filled atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir with precision. A standout is the high-adrenaline 50-minute action sequence in a single location during the pre-climax—an edge-of-the-seat experience for the audience.
Karthik Srinivas’ editing maintains a brisk pace in the first half, though the second half could have benefited from tighter trimming. Mickey J. Meyer’s music is a major asset, with songs like “Prema Velluva,” “Abki Baar Arjun Sarkar,” and “Tanu” already topping charts. His background score amplifies the action and emotion, elevating key scenes and adding weight to the film’s darker moments.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Among the film’s key strengths is Nani’s powerful performance, complemented by well-executed action sequences and superior technical values. Sailesh Kolanu’s direction, especially his sharp dialogues, resonates well with the masses.
However, the film’s major weaknesses lie in its underwhelming villain and the sluggish pacing in the latter half. Scenes that feel derivative of Squid Game may dilute the originality for some viewers.
Box Office and Audience Response
Released on May 1, 2025, HIT 3 opened to strong box office numbers, particularly in overseas markets. In the U.S., it emerged as one of Nani’s biggest international successes. Special shows in Andhra Pradesh created a festive buzz, drawing fans in large numbers.
Despite its initial momentum, the film received mixed reviews from some regions in India due to its ‘A’ certification and graphic violence, which limited its appeal among family audiences. On X (formerly Twitter), many fans praised Nani’s ‘beast mode’ avatar, while others noted the dip in pacing post-interval. Nonetheless, excitement remains high for the film’s upcoming release on Netflix in multiple languages.
Rating and Verdict
HIT 3 is an engaging and intense action thriller powered by Nani’s commanding screen presence and solid technical execution. Though it falters slightly with a weak antagonist and uneven second half, it delivers enough thrills to keep action lovers satisfied.
Rating: 3.5/5
Verdict: A slick, high-voltage thriller. Nani shines in a raw and rugged avatar, making HIT 3 a worthy watch for fans of action and investigative cinema.
Conclusion
HIT 3 elevates the franchise into a darker, more visceral direction. With Nani leading from the front and Sailesh Kolanu adding layers to his world-building, this film offers a brutal yet captivating experience. While it isn’t without its flaws, it’s a must-watch for fans of intense thrillers and Nani’s evolving mass image. Catch it on the big screen for the full impact—and get ready to stream it soon on Netflix.
