HIT: The Third Case (2025) Movie ft Nani – Bollyflix

HIT: The Third Case (2025) continues director Sailesh Kolanu’s successful crime thriller series with renewed intensity. This Telugu action-crime film features Natural Star Nani as Arjun Sarkaar, a seasoned HIT officer, alongside Srinidhi Shetty as the female lead.

The film boasts an impressive cast including Karthi, Adivi Sesh, Rao Ramesh, and Samuthirakani. Released worldwide on May 1, 2025, it represents the most violent installment in the franchise, exploring darker themes with contemporary relevance.

HIT: The Third Case Actor Name

Plot and Storyline

The story follows Arjun Sarkaar, a top HIT officer from Visakhapatnam, assigned to investigate brutal murders in Jammu and Kashmir. The narrative delves into psychological aspects of crime investigation while exploring themes of justice and morality.

The plot introduces elements of dark web psycho cults, expanding the HIT universe beyond localized crimes. This creates a foundation for future installments while maintaining the franchise’s signature tension and procedural investigation style.

Cast Performance

Nani delivers his most intense performance to date, stepping away from romantic roles to embrace this gritty character. His portrayal effectively conveys the psychological burden of investigating heinous crimes, earning widespread critical praise.

Srinidhi Shetty provides solid support, though her character could have been developed further. The supporting cast, including Rao Ramesh and Samuthirakani, adds authenticity to the investigative sequences and bureaucratic complexities.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Director Sailesh Kolanu maintains the visual and tonal consistency that defines the HIT franchise. His direction creates an atmosphere of tension while building toward climactic revelations effectively.

Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography captures both Kashmir’s scenic beauty and the investigation’s claustrophobic intensity. Mickey J. Meyer’s background score, particularly during the final act, elevates the tension remarkably.

Critical Reception and Ratings

The film holds a 7.0/10 rating on IMDb, indicating generally favorable reception. OTTPlay awarded it 3.5/5 stars, while 123Telugu.com gave it 3.25/5, praising technical aspects and performances.

Critics have been divided, with some describing it as visually appealing but narratively weak. The consensus suggests it succeeds as an action thriller but lacks the emotional depth of previous HIT films.

What I Liked

I was impressed by the visual presentation – the cinematography effectively balances Kashmir’s beauty with the investigation’s darkness. Nani’s committed performance anchors the entire film, providing the emotional core needed for audience investment.

The action sequences are well-choreographed and maintain realistic intensity. I appreciated how the film explores contemporary themes like dark web crime, adding relevance to the narrative.

What Could Be Better

The narrative pacing suffers from uneven structure – some sequences feel unnecessarily long while others need deeper exploration. The excessive violence occasionally overshadows the investigative elements that made previous films compelling.

I felt the character development beyond the protagonist was weak, particularly for supporting characters who seem underutilized. The story’s complexity sometimes creates confusion rather than intrigue.

Box Office Performance

HIT: The Third Case emerged as the fourth highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025. The worldwide collection reached approximately ₹119.25 crores, with strong performance in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The commercial success reflects the franchise’s established fan base and Nani’s star power. Public reception has been generally positive despite mixed critical reviews.

Final Verdict

HIT: The Third Case represents both strengths and limitations of franchise filmmaking. While it delivers expected thrills and impressive technical craftsmanship, it struggles with narrative coherence at times.

The film serves its entertainment purpose while expanding the HIT universe for future installments. With HIT: The Fourth Case already announced, the franchise’s commercial viability remains strong. For series fans, this installment provides enough satisfaction, though it may not reach the storytelling heights of its predecessors.