The third installment in Sailesh Kolanu’s HIT franchise is here, and this time, it brings a darker and more violent edge. With HIT: The Third Case, the focus shifts to Nani as Arjun Sarkaar, a deeply disturbed yet intriguing police officer who takes viewers on a twisted journey of crime, blood, and unsettling justice. While the film delivers on the thrill and gore, it occasionally stumbles along the way. But Nani’s gripping performance keeps it from falling apart.
HIT: A Bold Move for Nani
For years, Nani has been known as the “Natural Star” — the charming, relatable guy who can do no wrong. But in HIT: The Third Case, he takes a bold leap away from that image. As Arjun Sarkaar, Nani plays a man with a short fuse, a violent streak, and plenty of rough edges. This isn’t your typical Nani role — and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling to watch.
From the very first scene, you sense that Arjun isn’t your regular hero. He’s aggressive, unpredictable, and not exactly a people person. His coworkers at the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT) in Vizag fear him more than they like him. His dating life? A disaster. And his methods? Let’s just say he doesn’t play by the rulebook. One moment he’s yelling at someone, the next he’s casually breaking bones or taming vultures. Yes, really.
The Crime Story: Personal and Brutal
The plot kicks off when Arjun is assigned to investigate a disturbing new case involving the brutal murders of innocent people. As the story unfolds, Arjun takes the case personally — not just because it’s his job, but because something about it hits too close to home.
If you’ve seen the first two HIT films, you’ll notice that director Sailesh Kolanu has matured in how he tells the story. He’s gotten better at layering suspense and pacing the crime-solving aspects. But while the plot has some clever twists, it also leans heavily into dramatic moments that feel a bit over-the-top or unrealistic.
Too Much Blood? Maybe. But It Works for Some
One thing is for sure — this movie is not for the faint of heart. With an A-rating, HIT 3 dives headfirst into graphic violence. Blood is spilled. Limbs are lost. And there are scenes that will make even regular thriller fans squirm. If you enjoy gory movies like Hostel or series like Squid Game, you might feel right at home here.
Interestingly, beneath all the violence, there’s also a message. The film takes a dig at how society has become desensitized to violence and how we consume violent content as entertainment. Through Arjun’s shock and discomfort, the film asks — how far is too far?
Weak Spots in the Plot
As thrilling as the film is at times, it’s not without flaws. Srinidhi Shetty plays Mrudula, who at first appears mysterious and layered, almost like a character from a Gautham Vasudev Menon film. She’s charming and intriguing, and the movie hints that there’s more to her than meets the eye.
But when the big reveal about her character comes, it feels underwhelming. The twist doesn’t land well, and her character becomes increasingly annoying as the film progresses. The love story between her and Arjun also feels forced and unnecessary.
Another weak link is the villain, Alpha, played by Prateik Smita Patil. With wide eyes and exaggerated expressions, he comes off more as a cartoonish figure than a terrifying antagonist. What could have been a chilling villain ends up being forgettable.
There are also a few logical loopholes — like how Mrudula tracks down Arjun during a crucial moment — and some characters who are introduced suddenly without proper development. These things take away from the overall experience.
Nani Is the Heart of the Film
Despite its problems, the movie works largely because of Nani. He throws himself completely into the role of Arjun, a man who’s unhinged but fascinating. Whether he’s raging, cracking a joke at the wrong moment, or silently suffering, Nani makes Arjun feel real — even if he’s not exactly likable.
In the earlier HIT films, Vikram (Vishwak Sen) and KD (Adivi Sesh) brought their own baggage — PTSD and sarcasm, respectively. Arjun, on the other hand, is just brutally honest and lacking in social skills. Nani has a lot of fun with this character, and it shows.
Cameos, Callbacks, and a Hint of What’s Next
Fans of the HIT universe will love the little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout. Familiar faces (and even a familiar dog!) return at just the right moments. These callbacks don’t feel forced — they add to the story and create a strong connection between the three films.
And just when you think the film is wrapping up, there’s a superstar cameo that sets up HIT: The Fourth Case. It’s an exciting tease, and it makes you curious about what’s next in this growing franchise.
HIT: Worth a Watch for Nani and the Thrill
HIT: The Third Case may not be perfect, but it’s an entertaining ride for those who enjoy gritty thrillers. Nani’s performance is the standout here — raw, intense, and unpredictable. The film falters in some places, especially with character development and logic gaps, but it delivers on suspense, action, and a few thought-provoking moments.
If you can handle the gore and are looking for something darker and more intense than your usual crime film, HIT 3 is worth checking out. And if you’re already a fan of the HIT franchise, this one adds another thrilling chapter to the saga.
