HIT 3 dropped in theaters on May 1, 2025, and let me tell you, it’s a wild shift for the HIT franchise. With Nani leading the charge and Sailesh Kolanu back in the director’s seat, this Telugu thriller trades the series’ usual brainy whodunit vibes for a full-throttle, action-packed bloodfest. It’s got Nani in beast mode, some jaw-dropping visuals, and a story that’s equal parts gripping and messy. Here’s my take on what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your ticket.
What’s the Story?
Nani plays SP Arjun Sarkaar, a tough-as-nails cop with the Homicide Intervention Team in Visakhapatnam. The movie kicks off with a bang: Arjun’s locked up for a brutal murder, and you’re left wondering how this badass ended up behind bars. Through a mix of flashbacks and a non-linear plot, we dive into his hunt for a dark web cult called CTK (Capture, Torture, Kill) behind a string of grisly murders. The chase takes him from the snowy peaks of Jammu and Kashmir to the jungles of Arunachal Pradesh. Along the way, we get glimpses of Arjun’s personal life—his rocky relationship with his dad (Samuthirakani), a sweet romance with Mrudula (Srinidhi Shetty), and his struggles with hypertension and a midlife crisis. It’s a lot, and not all of it lands smoothly.
Nani Owns It
Let’s start with the star of the show: Nani. If you’ve loved him in his charming, relatable roles, get ready for a whole new side. As Arjun, he’s intense, raw, and downright ferocious. He’s not just playing a cop—he’s embodying a guy teetering on the edge, balancing rage and vulnerability. Whether he’s cracking skulls or tossing out a cheeky line like, “I’ve been hearing I can’t survive since the start of my career,” Nani’s magnetic. It’s a career-best performance.
Srinidhi Shetty as Mrudula brings a soft, grounded vibe to the chaos, and her chemistry with Nani feels real, especially in the quieter romantic moments. The supporting cast—Rao Ramesh, Samuthirakani, Komalee Prasad—does solid work, but this is Nani’s movie through and through. Oh, and keep an eye out for Adivi Sesh and Karthi’s cameos—they’re crowd-pleasers, though they don’t add much to the story.
Direction and Vibe: Big Swing, Mixed Results
Sailesh Kolanu, who gave us the tight, suspenseful HIT 1 and 2, goes big here, aiming for a John Wick-meets-Animal vibe with a dash of Squid Game thrown in. The action is relentless, and the violence is in your face—think graphic crime scenes and blood splattering everywhere. The film’s “A” certificate is no joke; it’s not for kids or the squeamish. The non-linear storytelling hooks you early, especially with that bold jail opening, but the second half drags a bit, leaning too hard into action over mystery. The dark web cult idea is cool on paper, but it feels half-baked, and the villain’s a letdown—more cartoonish than menacing.
Kolanu tries to flesh out Arjun’s personal struggles—his health issues, failed Tinder dates, and family drama—but it doesn’t always gel with the crime plot. Some parts, like the cult’s “game,” feel like they’re trying too hard to be edgy. Still, the film’s ambition and Nani’s performance keep you locked in.
Looks and Sounds
Visually, HIT 3 is a stunner. With a reported ₹100 crore budget, it shows—Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography makes every location, from Kashmir’s mountains to Jaipur’s streets, pop. The action scenes are intense, though the shaky cam can get dizzying. Editing by Karthika Srinivas could’ve been snappier; at 2 hours and 37 minutes, it feels 15 minutes too long.
Mickey J. Meyer’s score is hit-or-miss. The Arjun Sarkaar theme slaps, but the rest of the music doesn’t stick the landing. The romantic track “Poratame 3.0” is a banger, though—perfect for those Nani-Srinidhi moments. The songs otherwise feel like fillers.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
What Rocks:
- Nani’s all-in performance—fierce, emotional, and unforgettable.
- Gorgeous visuals and high-energy action sequences.
- A strong first half and a climax that’ll have you cheering.
- The romance and family bits add heart to the chaos.
What Doesn’t:
- Way too violent for some—don’t bring the kids.
- The story gets predictable, and the villain’s a dud.
- Pacing drags in the middle, with too many action scenes.
- Loses the smart, investigative spark of the first two films.
Final Thoughts
HIT: The Third Case is Nani’s playground, and he makes every second count. It’s a bold pivot to a darker, bloodier, action-heavy thriller that doesn’t quite nail the suspense of the earlier HIT movies but still packs a punch. If you’re here for Nani’s star power, slick visuals, and some heart-pounding action, it’s a blast—especially on the big screen. But if you loved the mystery-driven vibe of HIT 1 and 2, you might find this one a bit too messy. Catch it for Nani and that killer climax, but brace for some gore and a story that doesn’t always hit the mark. It’s setting up HIT: The Fourth Case, so fans will be hyped for what’s next.
Rating: 3.25/5