HIT: The Third Case, A Brutal Turn for the HIT Franchise

Released on May 1, 2025, HIT: The Third Case is the third film in the HIT film series, directed by Sailesh Kolanu. It features Nani as SP Arjun Sarkaar and Srinidhi Shetty in her Telugu debut. The story continues from the post-credits thread in HIT: The Second Case. Backed by Wall Poster Cinema and Unanimous Productions, this entry shifts away from the franchise’s mystery-first feel and leans hard into graphic action. Reviews were split, yet it still finished as the fifth highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025.

Plot Summary

Arjun Sarkaar is a hard-edged cop with deep mental scars. He gets posted to the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT) in Visakhapatnam. His new case involves a string of brutal killings tied to a shady group working through the dark web. As Arjun closes in, the job turns personal and the violence spikes. The film focuses on justice, right and wrong, and how thin the line can get between a cop and a vigilante. The final stretch goes big and sets the stage for HIT: The Fourth Case, helped by surprise cameos.

Performances

Nani stands out as Arjun Sarkaar. He drops his usual warmth and plays the role with anger and weight. The character feels broken but driven, and Nani makes that balance believable. Many viewers and critics point to him as the main reason the film works. The role also strengthens his move into action after films like Dasara and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram.

Srinidhi Shetty brings a steady presence and shares solid chemistry with Nani. Her character also gets more to do than the female roles in earlier entries. Rao Ramesh adds support, and cameos from Adivi Sesh and Karthi boost the hype. The closing cameo, in particular, keeps the talk going around the larger HIT-verse.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Sailesh Kolanu steers the series into a more action-heavy lane. The first half still holds onto the investigation angle, with tension that feels closer to the earlier films. The second half turns into a long run of fights and chase beats.

Sanu John Varughese’s cinematography gives the film a rough, gritty look, using locations such as Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Jammu & Kashmir to good effect. Mickey J. Meyer’s music supports the big moments, and tracks like “Abki Baar Arjun Sarkaar” caught on with fans. Editing by Karthika Srinivas keeps the 157-minute runtime moving, though some scenes in the climax feel like they could have been shorter.

Strengths: Action and Intensity

The strongest part of HIT: The Third Case is its raw action. The violence is graphic and often enhanced with CGI, which helped earn the film an ‘A’ certificate. It fits the film’s darker mood, but it won’t be for everyone. Viewers who enjoy films like Kill or Monkey Man may like the close combat, quick takedowns, and heavy final act. Nani’s turn as a near one-man force also makes this the most mass-friendly entry in the series so far.

Weaknesses: Moving Away From the Series’ Core

The biggest complaint is the change in focus. HIT: The First Case built its name on tension, psychology, and twists. Here, that side takes a back seat to shock and bloodshed. Some viewers also felt the film came too close to celebrating police violence. The story can feel familiar for anyone who has watched recent gore-driven action films, and the villain doesn’t fully land despite the setup. The level of brutality also split audiences, especially those who came in wanting a tighter mystery.

Conclusion

HIT: The Third Case goes bigger and darker than the earlier films. It works best as a Nani-led action showcase, with strong energy and a hard R-rated edge. It may not deliver the same mystery pull as the first two cases, but it pushes the HIT film series toward a wider, pan-Indian universe with room to grow. Fans of gritty action will likely have a good time in theaters, while long-time followers may miss the series’ original mystery-heavy style.

Overall iBomma Rating: 7/10, a strong action-focused step up, driven by Nani, but it trades away some of the franchise’s earlier charm.

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