HIT: The 3rd Case

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.

Nani never disappoints! Wall Poster Cinema and Unanimous Productions have delivered great production values. Mickey J. Meyer's background score is peak-level excellence. Sanu John Varghese's cinematography is outstanding. The action and stunts are mind-blowing!

Writer and director Sailesh Kolanu has made a strong comeback with Hit 3. Nani, Srindhi, and the rest of the cast deliver impressive performances. The first half is engaging, with a gripping investigation and Nani's witty dialogue. The second half is packed with intense action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Every character is utilized effectively, and the climax is full of surprises. While the movie does contain violence, it's justified by the story. Overall, Hit 3 is a thrilling ride that lives up to expectations.

Before I delve into the issues I have, I would like to express my admiration for certain aspects of the film, first & foremost, Nani's performance, and the script's able handling of intense scenes, be it the investigative segments or the climactic confrontation in the final half of the story.

Now coming to the problems, I found that the whole plot lacked emotional resonance; it couldn't effectively harness emotions in a meaningful way.

Now as for someone who enjoys relentless gore and bloodshed, I found the kills and the overall bloodbath in the final hour to be engaging. However, I was left with a sense of dissatisfaction, mainly because these moments of violence did not feel 'earned' or 'justified.' They appeared to be mere byproducts of style and encashing the present day trend rather than yielding substance with some meaning.

Whilst, Nani's performance left a significant impression on me, his character could have benefited from deeper material.

If the filmmakers had taken the time to elaborate on his troubled past, it would have enriched his character and provided a more compelling understanding of his eccentric personality.

If you're looking for an investigative drama, look somewhere else. There's hardly any twists in the story. Just plain garbage. The protagonist just smokes cigars half the time to look cool and does senseless things the other time.

Compared to the last 2 movies this one falls completely short . It's just selling on the name of last 2 movies but has no story and mediocre acting. The characters have zero depth, no effort is made to build their motivations.

The only good thing might be the fact that does give you enough to keep a slim interest in what happens next. My wife still slept through it though.

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.