HIT The Third Case — A Dark, Relentless Thriller That Redefines Nani’s Action Persona
- Release Date: 1st May 2025
- Director: Dr Sailesh Kolanu
Storyline – HIT 3 picks up exactly where HIT 2 left off, with SP Arjun Sarkar (Nani) stepping into the driver’s seat of the Homicide Intervention Team’s latest—and most disturbing—case yet. As a series of brutal murders unfolds across the country, Arjun—a sharp, obsessive officer plagued by anxiety and hypertension—dives into the investigation with unrelenting focus.
Review: Director Sailesh Kolanu expands the HIT franchise with a darker, grittier tone that plunges deep into psychological territory. Themes of justice, trauma, and vengeance take center stage in this chapter. The film’s world is anything but forgiving—violent, raw, and steeped in gruesome detail, it pulls viewers uncomfortably close to the brutal realities of crime.
Arjun Sarkar’s pursuit leads him on a relentless journey across the country—from the valleys of Srinagar to the coasts of Visakhapatnam, the palaces of Jaipur to the heartlands of Arwal, and the remote northeastern town of Naharlagun. The deeper he digs, the more terrifying the case becomes, pushing him into a brutal, unhinged headspace that echoes a John Wick-style takedown of evil. In this third chapter, the battle isn’t just between cop and criminal—it’s a clash between the ideals of justice and freedom, and the steep price each demands.
Nani is the soul of HIT 3—brooding, intense, and razor-sharp as Arjun Sarkar. Shedding his signature charm for raw grit and edge, he delivers one of his most stylized and relentless performances to date. Whether in brutal action sequences or quiet moments of inner turmoil, Nani inhabits Arjun’s psyche with striking ease. In a standout scene, when the antagonist (Prateik) compliments him with “Looking class,” Arjun coolly replies, “That’s what everyone thought,” before erupting into primal rage—perfectly capturing the essence of his character.
Nani is the soul of HIT 3—brooding, intense, and razor-sharp as Arjun Sarkar. Shedding his signature charm for raw grit and edge, he delivers one of his most stylized and relentless performances to date. Whether in brutal action sequences or quiet moments of inner turmoil, Nani inhabits Arjun’s psyche with striking ease. In a standout scene, when the antagonist (Prateik) compliments him with “Looking class,” Arjun coolly replies, “That’s what everyone thought,” before erupting into primal rage—perfectly capturing the essence of his character.
In her Telugu debut, Srinidhi Shetty holds her own, bringing a natural charm to her scenes and even impressing in sharp, well-executed action moments. Her romantic arc with Nani feels organic and purposeful—adding to the story without overshadowing it. The supporting cast, along with a surprise cameo or two, complements the narrative effectively, keeping the focus firmly on the central conflict. The first half is tight and compelling, though the second half veers into slightly chaotic territory.
Technically, the film is a polished and well-crafted production. Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography beautifully captures a range of contrasting landscapes—from the chaos of urban sprawl to the eerie stillness of remote hinterlands. Karthika Srinivas R’s editing is sharp for the most part, while the action choreography is both slick and brutally impactful. Mickey J Meyer’s background score heightens the tension without overwhelming the scenes. The film also uses AI effectively to amplify emotional depth. CGI is employed with stark precision, especially in the depiction of crime scenes and gore—so realistic it may unsettle more sensitive viewers. This A-rated thriller pulls no punches in revealing the darkest corners of humanity, with visuals that powerfully reflect its disturbing core.
HIT: The Third Case is a well-crafted, hard-hitting thriller that firmly cements Nani’s place in the crime-action genre. While its intensity and unsettling imagery may not be for everyone, fans of dark, gritty thrillers will find the journey well worth it.