Latest news with #HIT2
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sailesh Kolanu scared Nani, Prateik Smita Patil, his wife with all the violence in HIT 3: ‘What's wrong with you?'
Director Sailesh Kolanu's recently released HIT: The Third Case, starring Nani, Srinidhi Shetty and Prateik Smita Patil, was rated A by the CBFC due to the violence. In an interview with Galatta Plus, the director admitted that the 'dark' space the film went into even left his wife, Swati, Nani and Prateik scared. (Also Read: HIT The Third Case movie review: Blood-soaked Nani steals the show in this gory fest that could've been better) Sailesh was asked how the film's team reacted when he narrated the script of HIT 3, and he replied, 'More than HIT 1 and HIT 2, HIT 3 goes into a little darker space. One question I was constantly asked was, what's wrong with you? In real life, I'm not a very serious guy; I'm a goofy person. It's definitely a question that Nani had asked me, and also the guy who played the antagonist (Prateik) also asked me.' More than anything, Sailesh said that the climax involving a baby was the part that left them jarred, 'Especially because it all goes to one extent, but once the nine-month-old baby comes in, it becomes very twisted. I'm a father of a four-year-old boy. So, imagine me writing that. It was very difficult for me, to be very honest. Then, justice to the script has to be done, so I had to delve into that. I still remember isolating myself for a few months when I was writing HIT 3. My wife is a little scared now after seeing the film.' HIT: The Third Case is the third part in the HIT franchise, which has been led by HIT: The First Case (2020) and HIT: The Second Case (2022). It tells the story of SP Arjun Sarkaar (Nani), who stumbles upon the dark web while solving a series of murders taking place across the country with the same modus operandi. Prateik plays Alpha, the leader of a cult of psychopaths who crave freedom.
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Sailesh Kolanu interview: I like my films to be self-explanatory, glad that ‘HIT 3' is offering a theatrical experience to the audience
HIT: The Third Case, or HIT 3, has brought cheer to the box office. Two days after the release of the Telugu film starring Nani and Srinidhi Shetty, which has also been dubbed in other languages, its director Sailesh Kolanu is relieved, happy and filled with gratitude. 'I finally caught up on sleep. I survived on an hour or two of sleep in the last two months, sometimes in the car rather than going home, when the film's post-production was underway,' he says, settling down for an interview at the production house Wall Poster Cinema office in Hyderabad. On the day of release, he watched the film at Prasads multiplex and at Sudarshan theatre to gauge audience reaction. 'It is great to see the energy in the theatres, and satisfying to see full halls.' Excerpts from the interview: When you work on a film for a year or more, you are too close to the material at every stage — writing, executing and post production. How critically are you able to evaluate the film? We lose objectivity midway since we are so married to the content. We have to remind ourselves of the intent and excitement with which we began the film. That keeps us going towards the finish line. Sometimes during post-production, I take a two-week break, revisit the footage to assess it better. It is tricky. Luckily, I can spot when things go wrong and discuss with my team on what can be done. Before we analyse the film, tell us about both the joy and challenges of directing actors of whom you have been a big fan — Venkatesh in Saindhavand Nani in HIT 3? In the beginning, going to the sets and saying 'action' and 'cut' to the stars I greatly admire was overwhelming. Slowly I tell myself that there is a job at hand; I have been entrusted the task of making a good film. It took me a week to stop treating Nani like a star. He, too, gave me a pep talk to put me at ease. In two instances in HIT 3, dialogues refer to Nani's career and image. These are fanboy moments. How do you decide how much fan service can be done while still staying true to the story? These dialogues were not premeditated and incorporated into the film. As I was working on the screenplay, I thought it would be fun to have these 'meta' references. Those moments are evoking great response in the theatres since they work in the context of the actor as well as the story. HIT 1 & HIT 2 were based on true incidents. HIT 3 is about a gang operating on the dark web. Is this fictional, but inspired by several real life incidents? The film mentions BTK in passing, but that is a different case of one serial killer in the United States who was nabbed after three decades. Several cults operate on the dark web. We did extensive research and also approached the cyber crime wing in Hyderabad for help. The issues on the dark web are deep and real, we exaggerated for the sake of the film. Vikram Rudraraju (Vishwak Sen) in the first film and Arjun Sarkaar (Nani) in the third film have their vulnerabilities. The former has PTSD and the latter is on the verge of midlife crisis. Is the intention to make these cops more human? Yes, these traits — Vikram's anxiety attacks and Arjun's hypertension and relationship struggles — make them more relatable to the audience, rather than them being invincible cops. You outline Arjun Sarkaar's personal life but reveal just what is required, trusting the audience to comprehend… I thought it would be enough to show a few aspects — his friction with his father, admiration for grandmother and emptiness after his mother's passing — to make people empathise with him. There are moments when he breaks down. It establishes that he is not the coldhearted man he is made out to be. The first two films in the HIT universe or HIT-verse played out like whodunnit crime novels. The third begins similarly but moves into a high action zone. How happy are you with the amalgamation? Very happy. This is what we wanted, to give the audience a theatrical experience. I wanted the transition to be seamless, so that the audience does not feel a disconnect with the HIT-verse. We began with the investigation and transitioned into a survival thriller. Mickey J Meyer's background score is quite unconventional. What was your brief to him? My brief to him was to keep the audience at the edge of their seats, and make them go berserk during theatrical moments. We wanted the music to work in the background, without preempting the emotions or screaming for attention. I prefer it that way. I want people to say they watched a good film, rather than single out the music or some other aspect. A film has to work as a whole. His music was in a new-age zone, using percussion and rhythm. The choice of the antagonist (name withheld to avoid spoilers) is also interesting. What made you cast someone who is unlike the macho villains we usually see in Telugu cinema? I like this actor's work a lot. If you notice, he is amiable when he receives Arjun Sarkaar and slowly his darker side is revealed. We did not reveal a backstory to address questions as to what made him the way he is, since nothing can justify his behaviour. In fact, many serial killers, like the ones shown on Netflix's Dahmer, do not know the reason for their behaviour. Production designer Sri Nagendra Tangala mentioned three layers in the design, and a backstory of the hideout. Can you elaborate? Part of the explanation is in the film. The riverside palace in the Northeast, close to Burma, is 150-years-old. After it ceased to be a palace, it functioned as a hospital and was then abandoned. There are three layers of detailing in every frame. Pause any frame in these portions of the film and one can notice the palace ruins, the hospital ramps or small boards, or the new bamboo structures that are holding the broken pillars together. The boxing ring is among the newer wooden structures. The audience is likely to notice several fine details on repeat viewing. The writing did not have many loose ends in the first two films, but this time a few questions have cropped up. One pertains to how the antagonist did not do a thorough check of the new members, especially Arjun Sarkaar. Can it be argued that even if a photo search was done, it may not help since the fictional Homicide Intervention Team works in the background unlike mainstream police? I like my films to be self explanatory, but let me explain. It is nice that people are raising such questions. But I have done my research. From what I know, we do not have sufficient facial recognition mechanisms in India. If it is available, several crime cases can be solved easily. Only popular faces can be searched. We do not even have an extensive DNA database to identify people. I take care while writing; if there are lapses, I would have to answer to a 100 people on the sets while filming. How come an officer with sharp observational skills does not notice or recall Mrudala (Srinidhi Shetty) from the earlier days? Can this be attributed to cinematic licence? I was a lecturer for nearly a decade and let me tell you that except for a few bright students that I am in touch with, I do not remember the faces of the others. In this film, the police officer was only a guest lecturer. Is Vikram Rudraraju (Vishwak) still on a sabbatical? Did you not want to rope him in as well for a cameo? It was already a stretch to show KD (Adivi Sesh) stepping in to help. It would have taken it too far to show Vikram also entering at that time. Though it would have made for a great theatrical moment, let me save it for one of the later films. The bilingual actor (name undisclosed to avoid spoilers) who will lead HIT 4 has already been a part of investigative cop dramas. Your film will have to raise the bar higher. Absolutely. The core idea of the crime and the story is ready, but I am yet to flesh out the screenplay. What's next? I will begin writing my next film, which may be a romcom or a fun film without blood and gore. That will help me return to this cop universe with a fresh approach.
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
HIT 3 box office collection Day 2: Nani-starrer surpasses HIT 2's lifetime total in just two days, earns Rs 31 crore
HIT 3 Box Office Collection Day 2: The highly anticipated HIT The Third Case, delivered a respectable collection of Rs 21 crore on its opening day. But as the trend of failing numbers continued throughout the country, the second day saw HIT 3's collections drop by almost 50%. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the Nani-starrer earned Rs 10 crore on its second day at the box office. While this is a huge drop, the movie has managed to surpass the total nett earnings of its predecessor, HIT 2. HIT 2 had actor Adivi Sesh at the centre. But the film opened to a weak collection of Rs 6.4 crore, which further dipped the next day to Rs 5.35 crore. After a tough and slow 21 days at the Telugu box office, the film could only amass Rs 25.92 crore. However, its sequel, led by Nani, already sits at Rs 31 crore in India nett collection after just two days at the box office. Story continues below this ad The occupancy rates of the film slowly rose throughout the day, as the morning and afternoon shows managed 34% and 54%, respectively, and the evening and night shows managed 54% and 66%, respectively. There is no doubt that the film is going to have a bigger impact on the box office than its predecessor. All of this is thanks to the involvement of Nani, who is a much bigger star. Directed and written by Sailesh Kolanu, who has helmed all the other HIT projects, the cast of the film includes Nani, Adivi Sesh, Srinidhi Shetty, Rao Ramesh, Niveta Thomas and Brahmaji. HIT 3 has been compared to the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal (2023), Haneef Adeni's Unni Mukundan-led Marco (2024) and Nikhil Nagesh Bhat's Kill (2023), featuring Lakshya. The actor quickly defended the film and dismissed the comparisons by saying, 'I don't think HIT 3 should be put in the same bracket as Animal, Kill, or Marco. HIT 3 follows a different grammar. When you watch the film at a stretch, everything fits so naturally that the violence won't be an issue. You won't feel the intense portions are out of place. Once the lights go off, people will be completely immersed in the world of HIT 3.'
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
HIT: The 3rd Case Movie Review: Nani leads a raw, gritty thriller with commanding presence
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.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'HIT 3' releases; Find out who is the actor playing the lead in 'HIT: The Fourth Case'
The much-anticipated film ' HIT: The Third Case ' has been released in theatres today. The crime thriller stars Nani as Arjun Sarkaar, in the latest instalment. The film also includes some surprising elements, as the makers confirmed yet another chapter to the franchise and left the fans with delight as they revealed the face of the next part at the end of the film. Spoiler alert A major highlight that surprised audiences was a special cameo by actor Karthi , which confirmed rumors that had been swirling before the release. Just as Nani appeared in 'HIT 2' to connect the franchise, Karthi's brief but impactful appearance in 'HIT 3' sets the stage for ' HIT: The Fourth Case ', where he will take on the lead role as Rathnavel Pandian. The fans have been sharing clips and expressing their enthusiasm for the next installment on social media. Meanwhile, Nani's portrayal of Arjun Sarkaar is being widely appreciated for its intensity, marking a new, darker avatar for the actor. The film's sharp screenplay, realistic action sequences, and atmospheric cinematography were well received by the audiences. Intense and surprising climax In the climax of HIT: The Third Case, fans were thrilled to spot a special cameo by Adivi Sesh , who played the lead in the second installment of the HIT franchise . During the film's pre-release event, Sesh himself praised the last 30 minutes of the movie, calling it stunning and full of surprises. 'HIT: The Third Case' opened to mixed but generally positive reviews. Fans praised Nani's intense and gritty portrayal of Arjun Sarkaar, a tough officer investigating a series of brutal murders across India. Fans appreciated the film's technical aspects, including realistic action choreography, and cinematography. The film's violence and mature content earned it an 'A' certificate. After its theatrical release, it will be streaming on Netflix in multiple languages.
