HIT 3 Movie Review & Release Live update: Nani shines in a visually grand but cliched crime thriller
On X (formerly Twitter), a reviewer shared, 'HIT: The Third Case' earns a 3/5 rating, with Nani acing his role as Arjun Sarkaar, bringing swag, style, and aura to the screen. The film’s premise pits police against serial killers in a justified, bloody violent narrative. Visually the grandest in the franchise, with good music by Mickey J Meyer and a thrilling 30-minute climax. However, the cliched narration, long runtime, and lack of a strong villain hold it back. Srinidhi Shetty’s romantic track adds a subtle balance to the intense action, making it a watchable adult thriller for action lovers and Nani fans.
Mixed Review: 'HIT 3' disappoints with predictable story and underwhelming BGM
First half of 'HIT: The Third Case' decent and engaging
The first half of 'HIT: The Third Case' has been described as decent and fairly engaging, with Nani carrying the film strongly on his shoulders. The screenplay keeps a steady pace without many twists or dull moments, blending investigative elements with violent action scenes. The romantic track adds some relief, though some viewers find it slows the narrative. Overall, the first half sets up the story well.
HIT 3 Movie Review & Release Live update: 'HIT 3' fan shows kick off in Kerala with enthusiastic support
The first fan shows of HIT: The Third Case have started in Kerala, organized by the All Kerala Natural Star Nani Fans & Welfare Association, active since 2020. The Kerala fan page expressed gratitude to @DQsWayfarerFilm for making these special screenings possible, celebrating Nani’s powerful role as Arjun Sarkaar and the film’s release across the state on May 1, 2025.
HIT 3 Movie Review & Release Live update: Fan applauds Nani's intense performance in 'HIT 3'
HIT 3 Movie Review & Release Live update: Fan highlights 'HIT 3' intense finale and surprise ending
A fan on X shared their excitement after watching 'HIT: The Third Case', rating it 4 stars and praising Nani’s powerful performance as Arjun Sarkaar. They highlighted the last 45 minutes as "full #Marco mode by #Nani," referring to the film’s intense action. The fan also revealed there are two surprises in the ending, including an announcement teasing the upcoming fourth installment in the 'HIT' franchise.
HIT 3 Movie Review & Release Live update: 'HIT 3' impresses with sharp crime thriller elements
'HIT 3: The Third Case' kicks off impressively with director Sailesh Kolanu delivering a sharp, contemporary crime thriller featuring a unique narrative style. Nani stands out as Arjun Sarkaar, offering one of his most impactful performances to date. The film’s bold, straightforward dialogues and minimalistic approach resonate strongly with audiences, setting a solid foundation before the more intense second half unfolds.
'HIT: The Third Case' is an action thriller directed by Sailesh Kolanu, starring Nani as SP Arjun Sarkaar based in Visakhapatnam and is a top officer in the HIT special team. The film marks the third installment in the HIT franchise, following two previous investigative thrillers, and is set to release today on May 1, 2025.
The story thrusts Arjun Sarkaar into a high-stakes investigation far from his home turf, as he is assigned to Jammu and Kashmir to track down a group of serial killers responsible for a series of brutal murders. This case is particularly harrowing and tests Arjun’s mental and physical limits, pushing him into a dark and dangerous world where the stakes are life and death. The story combines intense investigative sequences with raw, brutal action, displaying Arjun as a relentless and ruthless cop who is willing to go to extreme lengths to bring criminals to justice.
The film's plot also revolves around the abduction of a nine-month-old baby, which adds an emotional urgency to Arjun’s mission. The trailer reveals Arjun’s fierce determination to rescue the infant, leading to violent confrontations where he uses aggressive and merciless tactics, including graphic scenes of combat and bloodshed. This portrayal marks a significant shift for Nani, who is known for more family-friendly roles, as he embraces a darker, more intense character in this film.
Supporting cast members include Srinidhi Shetty as Mrudula, who plays Arjun’s love interest, and other key roles filled by actors such as Vijay Sethupathi, Adivi Sesh, and Rao Ramesh. The film’s cinematography by Sanu John Varghese and the music score by Mickey J Meyer contribute to the dark, intense atmosphere that permeates the movie.
The trailer which was released earlier, opened with Nani's character, SP Arjun Sarkaar, delivering a chilling line about criminals belonging "six feet under the ground," immediately setting a dark and intense tone for the film. Visually, the trailer had raw and graphic violence, including scenes where Nani's character is drenched in blood and mercilessly fights criminals.
HIT: The Third Case is noted for its gritty realism and psychological depth, blending suspense, action, and emotional drama. It carries an 'A' certification due to its graphic violence, which is integral to the story rather than gratuitous. The film’s runtime is approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes.