✅ HIT: The Third Case (2025) is a high-octane Telugu action thriller where SP Arjun Sarkaar (Nani) investigates a series of brutal serial murders linked to a dark web cult, pushing the boundaries between justice and vengeance.
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HIT: The 3rd Case
Director: Sailesh Kolanu
Writer: Sailesh Kolanu
Stars: Nani, Srinidhi Shetty, Karthi
Plot: Arjun Sarkaar, a top HIT officer from Visakhapatnam, is sent to Jammu and Kashmir to investigate a series of brutal murders. As he pursues a group of elusive killers, the case tests his skills and mental strength.
Countries: India
Languages: Telugu
IMDb: View on IMDb
HIT: The Third Case (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-bollyflix.ist
Movie Details
- Full Name: HIT: The Third Case (2025)
- Language: Telugu (Also released in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam)
- Budget: ₹70 crore (approx. $8.4 million USD)
- Revenue: ₹120.58 crore (approx. $14.4 million USD) worldwide gross
- Runtime: 157 minutes (2 hours 37 minutes)
- Release Date: May 1, 2025 (India, Theatrical) / May 29, 2025 (Netflix)
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime, Mystery
- Cast: Nani (SP Arjun Sarkaar), Srinidhi Shetty (Mrudula), Samuthirakani…
- Directors: Sailesh Kolanu
- Screenplay: Sailesh Kolanu
- Story by: Sailesh Kolanu
- Dialogues by: (Not explicitly stated)
- Studios & Producers:
- Production Company: Wall Poster Cinema, Unanimous Productions
- Distributor: Zee Studios (Theatrical) / Netflix (OTT)
- Producers: Nani, Prashanti Tipirneni
- Voice Cast: N/A
- Animation & Style: Live-action
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Wall Poster Cinema / Unanimous Productions -
Image via Wall Poster Cinema / Unanimous Productions -
Image via Wall Poster Cinema / Unanimous Productions -
Image via Wall Poster Cinema / Unanimous Productions -
Image via Wall Poster Cinema / Unanimous Productions -
Image via Wall Poster Cinema / Unanimous Productions
Plot Summary
“HIT: The Third Case” thrusts SP Arjun Sarkaar (Nani) into a new, darker chapter of the Homicide Intervention Team’s operations. Arjun, a sharp but ruthless officer from Visakhapatnam, is called to Jammu and Kashmir to investigate a series of horrifying and seemingly random serial murders. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a chilling, interconnected web of crimes orchestrated by a mysterious, cult-like organization operating through the dark web. The case becomes more complex and personal than any he has faced before, forcing Arjun to confront not only external adversaries but also his own methods and the blurred lines between justice and raw vengeance. Unlike previous installments, this film leans heavily into action and the psychological toll of such brutal investigations, delivering a high-octane thriller experience while also setting the stage for the expanding HIT universe.
Cast & Crew
Directed and written by Sailesh Kolanu, who has helmed all installments of the “HIT” franchise, “HIT: The Third Case” features Nani in a powerful new avatar as SP Arjun Sarkaar. Srinidhi Shetty plays Mrudula, his love interest. The film also features a strong supporting cast including Samuthirakani, Surya Srinivas, and Prateik Babbar as the antagonist Alpha. The presence of Vishwak Sen and Adivi Sesh in special appearances links this film directly to the previous cases, while Karthi’s cameo teases the future of the franchise. Produced by Nani himself along with Prashanti Tipirneni under Wall Poster Cinema and Unanimous Productions, the film boasts cinematography by Sanu John Varghese and music by Mickey J Meyer, contributing to its intense atmosphere.
Critical & Audience Response
“HIT: The Third Case” received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising Nani’s performance and the film’s intense action sequences and visual style. However, some critics found the story to be weaker compared to its predecessors, with criticisms directed at the excessive gore and a perceived lack of emotional depth in certain parts. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was a significant commercial success, becoming Nani’s highest-grossing film at the worldwide box office and emerging as the fourth highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025 at the time of its theatrical run. Audience word-of-mouth was generally positive, particularly for fans of the action-thriller genre and the “HIT” franchise.
Direction & Cinematography
Sailesh Kolanu’s direction in “HIT: The Third Case” is focused on delivering a raw and visceral action thriller. He leans into the darker, more violent aspects of the case, aiming for a gritty and intense experience. Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography plays a crucial role in establishing this tone, with slick visuals, immersive camerawork, and a moody aesthetic that complements the film’s violent themes. The action sequences are well-choreographed and executed, providing a visually engaging experience for action enthusiasts.
Music & Background Score
Mickey J Meyer’s music and background score for “HIT: The Third Case” are pivotal in enhancing the film’s suspense and action. The score is designed to be impactful and create tension, driving the narrative forward during investigative sequences and amplifying the intensity of the confrontational scenes. The film also features a few notable songs that contribute to its overall commercial appeal.
Visuals & Special Effects
The film incorporates strong visuals and special effects to portray its violent themes and action sequences. The focus is on creating a sense of realism and impact during the brutal encounters. The production design contributes to the grim atmosphere, and the use of AI in profiling and investigation adds a modern, tech-savvy layer to the procedural aspects of the film.
Editing & Screenplay
The screenplay by Sailesh Kolanu aims for a fast-paced narrative, prioritizing action and thrills. The editing by Karthika Srinivas R is sharp, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps the audience engaged, especially in the second half which is largely dedicated to intense confrontations. While the first half is noted for its setup, the second half is where the film transforms into a full-blown action spectacle. Some critics, however, felt the narrative could have benefited from deeper character development and a more nuanced plot.
Positives / What Works
“HIT: The Third Case” is lauded for Nani’s powerful and intense performance as SP Arjun Sarkaar. The film delivers on its promise of high-octane action, with slick cinematography and a gritty tone. The expansion of the “HIT” universe and the setup for future installments were also appreciated by fans. Its commercial success indicates strong audience appeal for its action and thriller elements.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
Some common criticisms include the film’s excessive violence and gore, which might not be for everyone. Critics also pointed out that the story, at times, felt less engaging compared to its predecessors, with revelations being “screamed” rather than subtly uncovered. The character development for some supporting roles was also seen as lacking, and the emotional depth was occasionally overshadowed by the action.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“HIT: The Third Case” is a commercially successful and action-packed addition to the “HIT” franchise. While it may divide critics with its intense violence and some narrative choices, it largely delivers on its promise of a thrilling cinematic experience, especially for fans of the action genre and the series. Nani’s performance is a major highlight, and the film successfully expands the universe, paving the way for future installments. If you are a fan of dark, gritty action thrillers and don’t mind the gore, this film is a worthwhile watch.
Movie Rating
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Story & Screenplay | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Visuals & Special Effects | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who plays the lead role in "HIT: The Third Case (2025)"?
Nani plays the lead role of SP Arjun Sarkaar.
Is "HIT: The Third Case (2025)" part of a series?
Yes, it is the third installment in the "HIT" (Homicide Intervention Team) film series.
