HIT: The Third Case Review – A Smartly Packaged Thriller!

May 2, 2025May 9, 2025 Surya Komal 1 Comment Actor Nani, HIT, HIT: The Third Case, HITverse, Nani, Sailesh Kolanu, Srinidhi Shetty, Telugu, Telugu Movies, Tollywood, Tollywood Movie Reviews, Tollywood Movies

The third entry in Sailesh Kolanu’s expanding HITverse, HIT: The Third Case, takes the franchise into grittier terrain—both geographically and emotionally. This time, the investigation moves beyond the familiar settings of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to the rugged and unpredictable backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir. With Nani stepping into the lead role, the film attempts to dig deeper into the psychological toll that relentless crime-solving takes on its protagonist. What unfolds is a tense, atmospheric thriller that expands the HIT world while sticking to its core: a meticulous, brooding cop chasing a complex problem.

The story follows Arjun Sarkaar, a highly skilled HIT officer from Visakhapatnam, who is reassigned to Jammu and Kashmir to tackle a series of brutal, carefully orchestrated murders. The case is unlike any he’s handled before—murky, violent, and emotionally draining. As Arjun tries to connect the dots, he finds himself up against a network of elusive killers who seem to always be one step ahead. Each lead drags him deeper into a web of trauma and mind games, testing not only his investigative acumen but also his psychological resilience.

One of the biggest strengths of the film is Nani’s performance. Just when you think you’ve seen all his shades, he delivers something entirely fresh. His portrayal of Arjun as an irritable, emotionally frayed, socially awkward but fiercely committed officer is nothing short of extraordinary. He anchors the film effortlessly. Srinidhi Shetty, too, does a solid job. Her relationship with Arjun initially feels rushed, but the story gives it space to breathe, and she proves a strong presence as the female lead.

This MAY it’s MAYHEM at BOXOFFICE.
I love you all.
Today it’s Arjun sarkaar’s turn.
This truly is memorable.
Onward and upward ♥️#HIT3 pic.twitter.com/NaPNaRssVy

— Nani (@NameisNani) May 1, 2025

Another standout aspect of HIT: The Third Case is its action. This isn’t your usual slow-motion, physics-defying fare. The action sequences are sharp, gritty, and fast-paced, filmed with a sense of urgency that keeps you right in the moment. Credit must go to action director Lee Whittaker and cinematographer Sanu John Varughese. Their collaboration results in tightly choreographed scenes that are stylistic yet grounded. The gore, too, is handled deftly—it’s brutal when it needs to be, but never gratuitous or out of place.

Sailesh Kolanu also makes a bold storytelling choice this time. Departing from the traditional whodunnit structure of the first two films, this entry takes a different path. Rather than teasing the identity of the killer, it dives deeper into the ‘why’ and ‘how,’ and that shift works to the film’s benefit. The central concept driving the killers is layered and compelling—it even evokes memories of a certain underrated female-led Telugu thriller from the 2000s. There’s potential in that premise, and while the film doesn’t explore all of it, it certainly keeps you invested. Despite a few shortcomings, Kolanu ensures the movie remains consistently engaging, never losing momentum.

We went all guns blazing. Hope you are liking it. Overwhelmed with the response. All I feel is gratitude right now. Thanks a lot. pic.twitter.com/DPqmfEExcS

— Sailesh Kolanu (@KolanuSailesh) May 1, 2025

That said, the film does fall short of greatness. With the kind of potential this story had, one wishes for tighter writing and more inventive twists. The screenplay could’ve delved deeper into the psychological horror of it all, leaned more into the darkness, and sharpened its suspense. What we end up with is a compelling yet somewhat “safe” version of what could’ve been a much more sinister and clever thriller.

The background score and songs by Mickey J Meyer are serviceable, but they don’t leave a lasting impact. In a genre where the score often elevates the intensity of pivotal scenes, the music here doesn’t quite land with that same force. A standout theme or adrenaline-pumping beat could’ve added more punch to the film’s high-octane moments. On the other hand, the production design by Sri Nagendra Tangala deserves praise. A large portion of the second half unfolds in a sprawling, abandoned mansion, and the way that space is designed and utilized adds a lot to the film’s eerie tension. The layout is clearly mapped and well-integrated into the narrative.

In the end, HIT: The Third Case may not fully capitalize on its potential, but it’s still a worthy addition to the franchise. Thanks to a magnetic performance by Nani, crisp action, and an engaging storyline, the film manages to hold your attention from start to finish. It may not be the most groundbreaking thriller, but it’s smartly packaged and never dull—a solid watch for fans of the genre and the HIT Universe alike.