HIT: The 3rd Case

As expected, the movie is more of a brutal action thriller with survival element, than a procedural investigative thriller, so yeah, that's bit disappointing I had so many apprehensions about Nani's portrayal in this movie, but surprisingly, he's the major asset of the film, he get the attitude and pitch of the character right, though lacks the physique to make those action scenes look believable, nothing much to speak about rest of the cast First half is good, keeps you hooked throughout, despite the lack of high. But the second half is a bummer, becoming a survival drama with heavy dose of violence, and one too many cameos Technically, movie lacks technical finesse, cinematography by Sanu Varghese is so shaky in those action scenes, which already look so routine and nothing outstanding, second half needed some editing by Karthika Srinivas, music and BGM by Mickey are generic and Dull.

Coming to Sailesh Kolanu, his major strengths are attention to details in those investigations, sadly he deviated from them since Saindhav and HIT 3 suffers the same fate

BOTTOMLINE: WATCH FOR NANI WITH EXPECTATIONS IN CHECK.

HIT 3 is the third installment in the HIT series, and this time, Natural Star Nani plays the lead. Nani has been on a solid streak lately-not just as an actor delivering back-to-back hits, but also as a producer, backing films like Court. He has that relatable, common-man charm, and he often says he listens to stories as an audience member first, not with any box office calculations in mind.

However, lately, he seems to be making a serious effort to rebrand himself as an action hero-with films like Dasara, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, and now HIT 3. This film feels like another attempt in that direction, but unlike his earlier efforts, it doesn't quite land.

In his previous films, the strength of the story helped audiences accept him in intense roles. But HIT 3 lacks that grip. It feels like a mashup of various recent movies and internet stories, without a clear, fresh voice. Director Sailesh Kolanu had an interesting premise-mystery murders happening across India-but he failed to explore the characters deeply, especially the hero and the villain.

Nani plays Arjun Sarkar, a brooding, angry cop. But we never get a proper explanation for his rage. Is it childhood trauma? Personal loss? Without those layers, his character feels forced. For someone like Nani, who's known for his boy-next-door charm and emotional depth, we need a well-written role to justify this kind of aggression-like in Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, where his intensity was rooted in a solid backstory. That kind of writing is missing here.

The villain is another big letdown. Why cast someone just because they're tall and muscular when they can't even speak proper Telugu? It's not about appearance-HIT 2 had a villain who was just a regular dental doctor, yet he sent chills down the spine with his performance. That kind of impact comes from acting, not abs.

Also, I didn't understand the need for so many cuss words. Is it to sound edgy? It just felt unnecessary. Big action films like KGF, Leo, or Vikram have intense violence and mass appeal, but they don't rely on foul language to make an impact. It's possible to be gritty without being vulgar.

Another misfire is the background music by Mickey J Meyer. I'm not sure who thought he was the right choice for an adrenaline-pumping action thriller. His music is generally soothing and melodic, which doesn't match the mood this film needed. With the right BGM, several scenes could have had a lot more impact. Also, the track between Nani and Srinidhi Shetty feels too similar to something from a recent Venkatesh film. And that scene where Srinidhi uses AI to make Nani's mother speak through an old photo? It was awkward and out of place. I don't know how that made it past editing.

To be fair, the screenplay has its moments, especially in the action sequences. But overall, the film leans more on stylish stunts than strong writing or emotional engagement. The final sequence dragged on too long-I found myself checking my phone until the cameo appearances showed up. Introducing the HIT 4 hero at the end was a nice idea, but if Sailesh continues in this direction, it's going to be hard to build any real excitement around the series.

This film might still do decently at the box office thanks to Nani's popularity. But as a movie, it's just average.

HIT: The Third Case

As a fellow cinephile and a genuine fan of Nani, I walked into this expecting a gripping investigative thriller, one that delivered not just power-packed action, but also the meticulous unraveling of a crime that the HIT franchise initially promised. However, I walked out feeling conflicted.

This installment, let's be honest, leans heavily into becoming a full-blown action spectacle. Now, don't get me wrong, the action can be thrilling, but the burning question remains: where did the investigation go?

Nani, our "Natural Star," once again delivers a performance that feels remarkably organic, even when inhabiting a character navigating rather inorganic circumstances. The dedication to the nuances of the written character is palpable; every subtle gesture and expression is meticulously brought to life. Yet, the central question persists: was this phenomenal talent truly served by the narrative?

Personally, I felt the story ultimately let him down. The film felt disjointed, almost as if the first half existed in a narrative vacuum, with little progression, before shifting gears entirely in the second. Ironically, this latter half possessed a more compelling narrative drive than its predecessor. Logic and justification seemed to take a backseat. Certain expositional scenes, such as the explanation of the dark web, felt redundant for an audience increasingly familiar with such concepts. The one-liner premise held immense potential for intricate storytelling, but the execution felt surprisingly casual.

Technically, the film showcases commendable effort. However, for an action thriller, the action sequences themselves could have been shot with far greater impact. The excessive shaky cam in several scenes made them visually jarring and, at times, unpleasant to watch. Similarly, the inclusion of raptor shots felt gratuitous and didn't add significant visual value, despite a tenuous link to the plot.

The music was decent, providing a functional backdrop, but it lacked the soaring elevations that could have amplified the peak moments. I couldn't help but mentally overlay the electrifying BGM of Jakes Bejoy from Saripodha Sanivaram in certain scenes, imagining the heightened theatrical experience it could have been. While Michael J. Meyer delivered a sound score, a touch of Bejoy's magic might have elevated it further.

Despite being largely a one-man show, the limited supporting cast delivered commendable performances. Their roles, though not central, were well-defined and contributed meaningfully to the narrative tapestry.

Srinidhi Shetty, however, was a revelation! She absolutely commanded the screen with a fiery performance in a truly fantastic role. She has undoubtedly arrived as a force to be reckoned with.

It's evident that every department poured their heart and soul into this project, and their dedication shines through in the technical execution. It's a shame that the story doesn't quite measure up to their collective efforts.

The cameos were a delightful surprise, injecting a fun layer of recognition for the audience.

Yet, a nagging question remains: why the continued absence of Vishwak Sen's Vikram from the narrative? HIT: The First Case remains the strongest in the series, and it left numerous compelling threads hanging - his mother, his sister, his mysterious past. These open ends presented a golden opportunity for richer, interconnected storytelling. While expanding the franchise with new characters is understandable, completely sidelining the original protagonist feels like a missed opportunity. A small link or even a cameo would have been a fantastic nod to the series' origins and a treat for the dedicated fanbase. I sincerely hope this is considered for future installments.

Dr. Sailesh Kolanu, given his medical background and the consistently impressive forensic details woven into the HIT films, possesses the perfect foundation to craft a truly compelling medical thriller. It's a genre he clearly has a knack for, and I, for one, would be incredibly excited to see him explore it fully.

The film truly finds its stride in the latter part of the second half. The moment the protagonist dons the white suit, the pacing intensifies dramatically, and the narrative finally clicks into place. From that point until the end, the story feels complete, offering a sense of resolution and satisfaction.

However, the crucial discussion surrounding the murders, the very core of a thriller, felt surprisingly rushed and lacked the depth it deserved.

Overall, HIT: The Third Case, despite its technical merits and Nani's stellar performance, feels like a missed opportunity within the HIT universe. It's a decent action flick, but it doesn't quite capture the essence of the crime investigative thriller that the franchise initially established.

Great effort by the entire team! Now, let's buckle up and make HIT: The Fourth Case the undisputed "hittest" of the HIT series!

Finally, to the Natural Star 🌟 Nani holds a significant position as a role model for many youngsters, especially aspiring filmmakers and actors who keenly observe his choices. He carries a responsibility to deliver quality content to his audience. While experimentation is always welcome in cinema, it's crucial to consider the cost when the fundamental element of a compelling story seems to be missing.

Films like Dasara, while showcasing his exceptional performance, suffered from a weaker storyline, leaving one to question why such immense effort sometimes doesn't translate into a more impactful cinematic experience. While commercial success is undoubtedly important, the lasting impact of a film often hinges on the strength of its narrative. It's essential to create films that resonate with a wider audience, offering both engaging performances and well-crafted stories.

HIT was a suspense, murder mystery thriller.

This was more of an action movie.

I was promised Biryani, I got Korean fire noodles.

It's not bad, but it was not what was promised.

This is not subverting expectations.

And this too fell into the recent trend of gore-action, follows in the same path as leo, kill, marco etc.

What next?

We went from blood, hitting women, dismembering body parts, killing kids, what's next?

Audience will get used to this too.

And to give the shock factor, the makers will have to up the violence. So what's next?

Yes, people may like it. Movie will make money.

But it's not my cup of tea.

If i want tea, I'll go buy tea, don't sell me coffee, and ask wasn't it nice.

TLDR: If you're a fan of HIT series, you can treat it as a normal movie and skip.

If you just want to watch a movie, you can consider it.

Nani's one man show. He is the trump card. No need to say anything about his acting, it looked as if it's tailor made to him. Conversations between Nani and his father Samudrakani brings little smiles. More brutal and bloodshed second half. Story line is weak. Heroine looked good but has nothing much to offer. Biggest drawback is Villain character. Could have been much stronger . I hardly remember the songs. I guess there are 2 which are easily forgettable. Other side characters are decent but didn't create any impact. Last 10min comes as a surprise raising the bar of next part in HIT franchise.