The Telugu film industry welcomed the latest chapter in the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT) franchise with HIT: The Third Case, released on May 1, 2025. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, this action-packed crime thriller stars Nani as SP Arjun Sarkaar, a relentless cop tasked with solving a series of brutal murders. As the third installment following HIT: The First Case (2020) and HIT: The Second Case (2022), the film pushes the franchise into darker, more violent territory while introducing a new lead character. With a worldwide box office collection surpassing ₹101 crore in just four days, HIT 3 has made history as the first in the series to cross the ₹100 crore mark, cementing its commercial success.
Plot and Setting
HIT: The Third Case centers on Arjun Sarkaar (Nani), a senior police officer in the HIT unit based in Visakhapatnam, who is assigned to investigate a string of gruesome murders in Jammu and Kashmir. The killers, operating through the dark web under the alias CTK, are revealed to be harvesting hormonal glands from victims in a state of fear for organ trafficking, supplying a Swedish pharmaceutical company to create a potent drug. The investigation takes Arjun across India, from Srinagar’s valleys to Jaipur’s palaces, and even to the northeastern town of Naharlagun. The narrative unfolds with a non-linear screenplay, blending intense action with psychological depth.
Arjun, a man grappling with a midlife crisis, hypertension, and a simmering discontent, is far from the typical hero. His unorthodox methods, including committing and recording brutal murders of pedophiles, spark public outrage and scrutiny from his colleagues, notably ASP Varsha IPS. A romantic subplot with Mrudula (Srinidhi Shetty), whom he meets through a matrimonial site, adds a softer layer to his otherwise ruthless persona. The film’s climax reveals Arjun’s deliberate imprisonment to confront the mastermind, Samuel Joseph, and sets the stage for HIT: The Fourth Case, introducing Tamil actor Karthi as ACP Veerappan IPS.
Performances and Direction
Nani delivers a career-defining performance as Arjun Sarkaar, shedding his boy-next-door image for a brooding, intense cop. His portrayal captures the character’s inner turmoil and unyielding determination, particularly in scenes where he descends into primal rage. Critics have lauded Nani’s ability to balance aggression with vulnerability, with moments of gentle humor—like his awkward dating app encounters—adding depth to his role. Srinidhi Shetty, in her Telugu debut, brings elegance and a surprising twist to the narrative, though her role remains secondary. Supporting actors like Rao Ramesh, Komalee Prasad, and Samuthirakani (as Arjun’s father) contribute effectively, with cameos from Adivi Sesh and Karthi generating buzz among fans.
Sailesh Kolanu, who helmed the previous HIT films, takes a bold step by blending the franchise’s thriller roots with mass-action elements. While the first half builds tension with a slow-burn investigation, the second half erupts into relentless action, drawing comparisons to Squid Game for its gore and dark themes. However, the film’s excessive violence and lack of emotional depth have drawn mixed reactions. Some praise Kolanu’s stylistic upgrade, while others argue the narrative falters, lacking the gripping twists of its predecessors.
Technical Aspects
Technically, HIT 3 is a polished production. Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography captures the contrasting landscapes beautifully, from urban chaos to haunting hinterlands. Mickey J. Meyer’s background score heightens the dramatic tension, though some critics find it unmemorable. The action choreography is slick and brutal, with CGI-enhanced crime scenes that are disturbingly lifelike—earning the film an ‘A’ certificate for its gore. Karthika Srinivas’s editing keeps the pace taut in the first half, though the second half feels chaotic to some viewers. The film’s ₹100 crore budget is evident in its high production values, courtesy of Wall Poster Cinema and Unanimous Productions.
Reception and Impact
HIT: The Third Case has received mixed-to-positive reviews. Fans on platforms like X have called it “gripping” and praised Nani’s “commanding presence,” though some noted a predictable plot and a lengthy second half. Critics appreciate Nani’s performance and the film’s action sequences but criticize its weak narrative and excessive violence, which alienates family audiences. The film’s commentary on society’s appetite for violent content feels ironic given its own graphic nature, a point that resonates but doesn’t fully land.
With a runtime of 157 minutes, HIT 3 is a hard-hitting addition to the franchise, though it struggles to balance style and substance. Its box office success—₹62 crore in two days and ₹101 crore in four—marks a milestone for Nani and Kolanu, with the film breaking even quickly. Streaming on Netflix post-theatrical release, it continues to reach a wider audience. While not as taut as its predecessors, HIT 3 sets a new tone for the franchise, paving the way for Karthi’s entry in the next chapter.
Conclusion
HIT: The Third Case is a bold, if uneven, evolution of the HIT series. Nani’s stellar performance and the film’s technical finesse make it a compelling watch for action-thriller enthusiasts, but its graphic violence and narrative gaps may not appeal to all. As the franchise expands, Kolanu’s challenge will be to recapture the brooding intensity of the earlier films while catering to a broader audience.
