HIT: The Third Case (HIT 3), released in May 2025, is the latest and most ambitious entry in Sailesh Kolanu’s acclaimed crime thriller franchise. Starring Nani in his most intense and complex role yet, the film dives deep into the darkest corners of the human psyche and the criminal underworld. With high production values, a gripping plot, and a cast that includes Srinidhi Shetty, Rao Ramesh, Samuthirakani, and Prateik Babbar, HIT 3 pushes the boundaries of Telugu cinema’s crime genre. Does it live up to the hype and the legacy of its predecessors? Let’s break down the film’s story, performances, technical craft, and box office performance.

Plot Summary

A Cop, A Killer, and a Cult

The film opens with SP Arjun Sarkaar (Nani) in prison, his reputation and motives shrouded in mystery. He’s saved from an attack by a fellow inmate, Samuel Joseph, to whom he begins narrating his story through a series of flashbacks.

After the events of HIT 2, Arjun is posted to the HIT unit in Visakhapatnam, replacing KD. But the narrative quickly takes a shocking turn: Arjun is seen brutally murdering a civilian in the forest, recording the act, and then being assigned to investigate the very crime he committed. The victim’s organs are missing, raising the stakes and hinting at a larger conspiracy.

Arjun’s personal life is also in focus, as he starts a relationship with Mrudula (Srinidhi Shetty), whom he meets through a matrimonial site set up by his father. However, his colleague ASP Varsha (Komalee Prasad), grows suspicious of his activities and begins tailing him, only to witness Arjun commit a second murder in the same gruesome fashion. When confronted, Arjun reveals that his victims are pedophiles, and he is on a covert mission to infiltrate a dark web cult known as CTK (Capture, Torture, Kill).

The Dark Web and Undercover Justice

A flashback to Arjun’s earlier posting in Jammu & Kashmir reveals his investigation into a similar murder, leading him to apprehend a killer linked to CTK. He discovers that the cult requires members to record two murders to gain entry, and that its reach spans across India, with members orchestrating ritualistic killings and organ harvesting.

Arjun’s undercover mission leads him to Jaipur, where he prevents another murder but is gravely wounded. As he recovers, he’s welcomed into CTK by its enigmatic leader, Alpha (Prateik Babbar). Arjun must walk a razor’s edge, maintaining his cover while trying to save innocent lives.

The Climax: Truth, Sacrifice, and Vengeance

The film’s final act is a relentless, brutal showdown. Arjun discovers CTK’s true purpose: harvesting hormonal glands from terrified victims to create a potent drug for a Swedish pharmaceutical company. The conspiracy is vast, implicating the rich and powerful.

During a ritual killing, Arjun saves a nine-month-old child and tries to free other hostages, leading to a violent confrontation with CTK members. With backup from his HIT team and a dramatic intervention by the Hyderabad unit, Arjun brings down Alpha and the cult in a bloody, cathartic climax.

In a final twist, Arjun reveals that Samuel Joseph, the prisoner he confided in, is the actual mastermind behind CTK. Arjun entered prison deliberately to kill Joseph, which he does, bringing his mission full circle. The film ends with Arjun dedicating the case’s success to ACP Dhanya Mohan, a brave officer who sacrificed herself to save a child during the CTK raid.

A mid-credits scene teases the next chapter, with a new officer, ACP Veerappan (Karthi), discovering a body in Chennai, setting up HIT: The Fourth Case.

Performances

Nani as SP Arjun Sarkaar

Nani delivers a career-defining performance, embodying a cop who is both haunted and ruthless. His transformation into a morally ambiguous, action-driven protagonist is riveting. Nani’s ability to balance Arjun’s vulnerability, rage, and intelligence is the film’s greatest strength. His physical transformation and intense screen presence elevate the film’s emotional and psychological stakes.

Srinidhi Shetty as Mrudula

Srinidhi Shetty brings warmth and strength to her role, sharing solid chemistry with Nani. Her character is more than just a love interest, contributing to the investigation and adding emotional depth to the story.

Prateik Babbar as Alpha

Making his Telugu debut, Prateik Babbar is chilling as the psychopathic cult leader. He brings a menacing unpredictability to Alpha, making him a formidable antagonist.

Supporting Cast

Rao Ramesh, Samuthirakani, Komalee Prasad, and others provide strong support, each adding authenticity to the investigative and emotional threads. Cameos by Adivi Sesh and Karthi add excitement for fans of the franchise.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Sailesh Kolanu ups the ante in this third installment, delivering a film that is darker, grittier, and more psychologically intense than its predecessors. The screenplay is layered, moving between past and present, and maintaining suspense throughout. The first half is a tightly woven investigation, while the second half explodes into action and high-stakes drama.

Kolanu’s decision to make Arjun both investigator and perpetrator is bold, challenging the audience’s sense of right and wrong. The film’s exploration of trauma, justice, and the cost of vengeance is handled with maturity, though the relentless violence may not be for everyone.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography: Sanu John Varghese’s visuals are moody and atmospheric, capturing the grit of crime scenes and the tension of action sequences. The use of color and shadow enhances the film’s psychological intensity.

• Editing: Karthika Srinivas ensures a brisk pace, especially in the action-heavy second half. Flashbacks and parallel narratives are woven seamlessly.

• Music: Mickey J. Meyer’s score is tense and immersive, supporting both the emotional and suspenseful moments without overpowering the narrative.

• Production Values: With a budget of ₹100 crore, the film boasts high-end action choreography, realistic set pieces, and slick production design.

Themes and Analysis

• Justice vs. Vigilantism: The film blurs the line between law enforcement and vigilantism, questioning what it means to deliver justice in a world where the system often fails.

• The Dark Web and Modern Crime: HIT 3 explores the terrifying reach of online cults and the anonymity of digital evil, making the threat feel both contemporary and real.

• Trauma and Obsession: Arjun’s journey is as much about confronting his own demons as it is about stopping the killers. His anxiety and hypertension are woven into the narrative, humanizing his character.

• Sacrifice and Redemption: The film honors the courage of those who risk everything to save others, with ACP Dhanya Mohan’s sacrifice serving as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved.

What Works

• Nani’s Performance: His intense, layered portrayal anchors the film.

• Bold Storytelling: The twist of the hero being both cop and killer is fresh and daring.

• Action and Suspense: Brutal, well-choreographed action sequences keep viewers on edge.

• Emotional Core: The film’s exploration of trauma and sacrifice adds depth.

• Franchise World-Building: Cameos and the mid-credits scene build anticipation for future installments.

What Could Be Better

• Excessive Violence: The graphic violence may alienate some viewers and overshadow the emotional elements at times.

• Complex Narrative: The layered plot and multiple flashbacks can be challenging to follow, especially for those new to the series.

• Supporting Characters: Some secondary roles, while well-acted, could have been fleshed out further.

Box Office Performance

HIT 3 was mounted on a grand scale with a budget of ₹100 crore and generated strong pre-release buzz, selling theatrical rights for nearly ₹49 crore. The film opened to a thunderous response:

• Opening Day Worldwide: ₹43 crore

• First Weekend Worldwide: ₹101 crore

• First Week Worldwide: ₹135 crore (approximate)

• India Gross (First Week): ₹95 crore

• Overseas Gross (First Week): ₹40 crore

• Final Worldwide Gross (projected): ₹150–160 crore

The film’s blend of mass appeal, franchise loyalty, and Nani’s star power made it one of the biggest Telugu hits of 2025.

Audience and Critical Reception

Critics and audiences have praised Nani’s transformation, the film’s raw intensity, and its willingness to tackle dark, contemporary themes. The emotional justification for Arjun’s actions and the high-octane final act were especially lauded. Some found the violence excessive and the narrative complex, but most agreed that HIT 3 is a worthy, ambitious addition to the franchise.

Final Verdict

HIT 3 is a bold, gritty, and emotionally charged crime thriller that pushes the boundaries of the genre in Telugu cinema. With Nani delivering a career-best performance, Sailesh Kolanu’s confident direction, and a story that doesn’t flinch from the darkness, the film is both a crowd-pleaser and a thought-provoking exploration of justice and trauma. While not for the faint-hearted, it’s a must-watch for fans of intense, intelligent thrillers.

Rating: 3.5/5

Conclusion

With its blend of raw action, psychological depth, and franchise-building ambition, HIT 3 cements the HIT series as one of the most exciting properties in Telugu cinema. It’s a film that challenges, shocks, and ultimately satisfies, leaving audiences eager for the next case. If you crave thrillers that don’t pull punches and characters who walk the edge, HIT 3 is a gripping ride from start to finish.