HIT: The 3rd Case Movie Review: Nani leads a raw, gritty thriller with commanding presence

Time of India

01-05-2025

Story: HIT 3 picks up right where HIT 2 ends, with SP Arjun Sarkar (Nani) stepping into the driver's seat of the Homicide Intervention Team's latest—and most twisted—case yet. When a series of violent murders unfolds across the country, Arjun—a sharp, obsessive cop haunted by anxiety and hypertension—takes on the investigation with unflinching focus.
Review: Director Sailesh Kolanu builds on the HIT franchise with a darker, grittier tone that delves deep into psychological terrain. Themes of justice, trauma, and vengeance dominate this chapter. The film's world is not for the faint-hearted—violent, gritty, and filled with gruesome detail, it brings viewers uncomfortably close to the horrors of crime.
The pursuit takes Arjun Sarkar on a trail that winds across the country—from the valleys of Srinagar to the coasts of Visakhapatnam, the palaces of Jaipur to the interiors of Arwal and the northeastern town of Naharlagun. The deeper he digs, the more terrifying the case becomes—forcing Arjun into a brutal, psychotic headspace, evoking a John Wick-style takedown of evil. In this third chapter, the battle isn't just between cop and criminal—it's between the ideals of justice and freedom, and the steep price of both.
Nani is the soul of HIT 3—brooding, intense, and terrifyingly sharp as Arjun Sarkar. Shedding his usual charm for sheer grit and raw style, Nani delivers one of his most stylised and relentless performances yet. Whether in brutal action sequences or silent moments of inner chaos, he slips under Arjun's skin with ease. In a standout moment, when the antagonist (Prateik) compliments him with 'looking class,' Arjun replies, 'That's what everyone thought,' before descending into primal rage—capturing the essence of his character.
Srinidhi Shetty, in her Telugu debut, holds her own, bringing charm to her scenes and even excelling in crisp action beats. Her romantic arc with Nani is functional rather than forced—it supports the story without weighing it down. The supporting cast—and a surprise cameo or two—serve the narrative well, keeping the spotlight on the central conflict. The first half is taut and engaging, though things get a little too wild and chaotic in the second.
Technically, the film is a polished production. Sanu John Varghese's cinematography captures contrasting landscapes beautifully—from urban chaos to haunting hinterlands. Karthika Srinivas R's editing is on point for the most part, while the action choreography is both slick and shockingly brutal. Mickey J Meyer's background score builds tension without overpowering the scenes. The film also makes effective use of AI to enhance emotional impact. CGI is deployed to stark effect, particularly in the depiction of crime scenes and gore—so lifelike, it could unsettle sensitive viewers. This A-rated thriller does not hold back in portraying the darkest sides of humanity, with visuals that mirror its disturbing core.
HIT: The Third Case is a well-mounted, hard-hitting thriller that firmly establishes Nani in the crime-action genre. Though its intensity and disturbing imagery may not appeal to everyone, fans of dark thrillers will find it worth the ride.