HIT 3: Nani's Gritty Crime Thriller Hits Hard

Nani’s HIT: The Third Case, directed by Sailesh Kolanu, hit theaters on May 1, 2025, and it’s making waves. This Telugu crime thriller stars Nani as the tough-as-nails IPS officer Arjun Sarkaar, and it’s a wild ride full of intense action and dark twists. With Srinidhi Shetty as Mrudula and a solid supporting cast, HIT 3 keeps you hooked, even if it stumbles at times.

The plot follows Arjun, a no-nonsense cop who moves from Jammu & Kashmir to Visakhapatnam to tackle a string of brutal murders. The first half is a gripping detective story, with Nani stealing the show; his sharp dialogue and commanding presence are electric. The second half switches to a survival thriller, almost like Squid Game, with high stakes and relentless energy. Fans on X are raving about Nani’s “killer” performance, with one post calling it “a bloody good time”. But not everyone’s sold—some call the story predictable, with a few plot holes that don’t quite add up.

Kolanu’s direction is a highlight, especially in a 50-minute action scene set in one location; it’s tense and masterfully done. Mickey J. Meyer’s music and Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography crank up the film’s raw vibe. Srinidhi Shetty gets some cool action moments, but her character could’ve had more depth. The cameos are crowd-pleasers, teasing a big sequel.

Box office-wise, HIT 3 is a hit, pulling in over Rs 10 crore on day one in India and 700K USD in US pre-sales. Its ‘A’ rating and 2 hour 36 minute runtime make it a bold pick for thrill-seekers. Nani even warned it’s not for the faint-hearted. While some fans wish the script was tighter, most agree Nani’s fierce energy and the film’s heart-pounding moments make it worth watching. HIT 3 is a gritty, action-packed thriller that leans on Nani’s star power and Kolanu’s knack for suspense.