Is Hit The Third Case worth watching?
Language: Telugu
Genre: Crime Thriller / Mystery
Starring: Nani, Adivi Sesh (Cameo), Meenakshi Chaudhary
Director: Sailesh Kolanu
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Introduction
Hit: The Third Case is the latest installment in the popular HIT universe, created by director Sailesh Kolanu. Following the success of HIT: The First Case and HIT: The Second Case, this third part stars Nani in the lead role and promises a darker, more intense experience than the previous films. If you enjoy gripping crime thrillers filled with twists, emotions, and layered characters, this movie will pull you in.
Let’s break down the film in simple terms—without spoilers—so you know exactly what to expect.
Story Overview
The story follows Arjun Sarkaar (played by Nani), a sharp and emotionally guarded officer in the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT). Arjun is dealing with his own trauma and guilt from a past case when a brutal and mysterious series of murders rocks the city. A young woman is found dead in a chillingly staged murder scene, and Arjun is assigned the investigation.
As he dives deeper, he uncovers links to an old, unsolved case, which raises more questions than answers. The movie is structured like a jigsaw puzzle—every clue opens a new layer of the mystery. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, the film throws in a surprising twist.
The tension builds steadily, and the narrative takes a psychological turn, examining not just the crime but also the mind of the criminal and the emotional scars of the cop.
Performance Review
Nani
This is arguably one of Nani’s best performances to date. He completely sheds his usual charming image and transforms into a gritty, intense, and broken man trying to do what’s right. His eyes carry a lot of pain, and you can feel his mental exhaustion throughout the film. The character of Arjun is flawed, vulnerable, and strong at the same time—something that Nani portrays with great depth.
Meenakshi Chaudhary
She plays a forensic expert and Arjun’s support system. While her role is smaller compared to Nani’s, she delivers a balanced performance that adds emotional weight to the story.
Adivi Sesh
Fans of The Second Case will be happy to know that Adivi Sesh appears in a small but important cameo, teasing a possible crossover in the future. His presence adds a sense of continuity and excitement to the HIT universe.
Direction and Writing
Director Sailesh Kolanu deserves full credit for creating a strong, connected thriller universe in Indian cinema. Each HIT film has its own style and tone, and The Third Case feels like the darkest and most emotional yet. The screenplay is tight and engaging, with a mix of intense investigation, emotional drama, and shocking reveals.
One of the strongest aspects of the writing is that it doesn’t treat the audience like they’re dumb. It respects your intelligence. The clues are there, and if you’re sharp, you might pick up on them—but even if you don’t, the film makes sure the payoff is worth it.
The pacing is consistent, and the second half gets particularly gripping. There are no unnecessary songs or comedy tracks to distract you—which is rare and refreshing in Telugu cinema.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography
The film looks fantastic. The camera work is atmospheric and adds to the tension. Dark tones, foggy visuals, and minimal lighting are used smartly to reflect Arjun’s disturbed state of mind and the bleakness of the murders.
Music and Background Score
The background score by S. Thaman enhances the experience. It’s not overbearing but creeps in at the right moments, making the suspense scenes more impactful.
Editing
The editing is crisp. With a runtime of just over 2 hours, the film keeps things tight and to the point. No scene feels dragged or irrelevant.
Positives
- Nani’s powerful and mature performance
- Tight, suspenseful screenplay
- Smart direction with emotional depth
- No unnecessary distractions (songs, comedy)
- Strong buildup and satisfying climax
Negatives
- The film’s tone is dark and serious, which may not appeal to all viewers
- Some twists might be confusing if you haven’t seen the previous HIT films
- Certain characters could have had more screen time for added impact
Final Verdict
Hit: The Third Case is a well-made, intelligent, and emotionally gripping crime thriller that takes the HIT franchise to a new level. With a layered protagonist, realistic storytelling, and solid direction, it’s a must-watch for fans of thrillers and serious cinema.
This film also sets the stage for something bigger—possibly a combined universe where all the HIT officers come together, which could be very exciting.
Whether you’ve seen the earlier HIT movies or not, you can enjoy The Third Case for its smart storytelling and emotional core. It’s not just a whodunit—it’s a journey into the mind of a broken man trying to heal while stopping evil.
Best Movie Review Rating: 4/5 – A gripping, emotionally intelligent thriller that’s worth your time.