HIT: The Third Case (2025) Movie Movierulz

HIT: The Third Case marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed HIT (Homicide Intervention Team) franchise, bringing together Telugu cinema’s top talent under director Dr. Sailesh Kolanu. Released on May 1, 2025, this action-packed crime thriller features Nani in the lead role as Arjun Sarkaar, alongside Srinidhi Shetty, Karthi, and Adivi Sesh.

The movie belongs to the action-crime-thriller genre and serves as the third chapter in one of Telugu cinema’s most successful investigative thriller series. With Nani taking center stage as the ruthless police officer, the film promises the same gripping narrative style that made its predecessors box office hits.

HIT: The Third Case Film Casting

Plot and Storyline

The story follows Arjun Sarkaar, a top HIT officer from Visakhapatnam, who is sent to Jammu and Kashmir to investigate brutal murders. As he pursues a group of dangerous killers, the case tests his skills and mental strength.

The plot maintains the signature HIT franchise style, focusing on psychological depth while delivering intense action. The story unfolds as Arjun confronts not just external threats but also internal demons, making for a character-driven narrative.

What sets this film apart is its exploration of the psychological toll that investigations take on officers. The Kashmir setting adds visual and narrative complexity, providing a backdrop that’s both beautiful and haunting.

Cast Performance

Nani’s performance as Arjun Sarkaar represents a major departure from his usual roles, showing his versatility as an actor. I found his portrayal of the ruthless police officer both convincing and emotionally powerful, demonstrating his ability to handle complex, darker characters.

Srinidhi Shetty delivers a solid supporting performance, bringing depth to her character while avoiding typical romantic subplot traps. Her chemistry with Nani feels authentic and adds emotional weight without overshadowing the central investigation.

The supporting cast, including Karthi and Adivi Sesh, contribute significantly to the film’s impact. Their performances add layers to the story, with each actor bringing unique screen presence to complement Nani’s intense portrayal.

Direction and Technical Excellence

Director Sailesh Kolanu keeps the narrative tight and atmospheric, with haunting visuals and a pulsating score. I appreciated how the twists land hard, leaving viewers shaken and eager for what’s next.

Kolanu’s approach balances procedural police work with the emotional journey of characters. His ability to create atmosphere through visual storytelling is evident in the Kashmir sequences, where natural beauty contrasts with dark investigation themes.

The cinematography captures both scenic Kashmir beauty and gritty investigation reality with equal skill. The score complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing tension without overwhelming dialogue or action.

Critical Reception and Ratings

HIT: The 3rd Case has received a 7.0 rating on IMDb, indicating generally positive audience reception. Critics praised Nani’s performance but had mixed feelings about the story.

Rotten Tomatoes notes that while the film may not fully reach its potential, it’s still a worthy franchise addition. Thanks to Nani’s magnetic performance, crisp action, and engaging storyline, it holds attention throughout.

Professional critics have been divided. While many praise technical excellence and Nani’s performance, some criticized the film for perceived excessive violence. However, audience reviews have been more positive, appreciating the film’s commitment to dark themes.

What Works

The film’s greatest strength lies in character development. Unlike many action thrillers that prioritize spectacle over substance, this film invests time in developing the protagonist’s psychological journey.

The technical execution is another major strength. The cinematography effectively uses Kashmir landscape to create visual narrative that complements story themes. The contrast between natural beauty and human brutality is well-executed.

I found the action sequences well-choreographed and story-serving rather than existing merely for spectacle. Each action beat feels earned and contributes to overall narrative progression.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, the film has areas needing improvement. Critics noted that adding more twists and a stronger villain would have enhanced the experience. The antagonist’s motivations could have been more thoroughly explored.

Some viewers might find the film’s commitment to dark themes overwhelming. The violence, while serving story themes, may be excessive for some audiences and could limit broader appeal.

The pacing, while generally effective, occasionally slows during exposition-heavy sequences. Some investigative procedural elements could have been streamlined to maintain momentum.

Box Office Performance

The film emerged as the third highest-grossing Telugu film of the year, indicating strong commercial performance despite mixed critical reception. This success demonstrates the franchise’s continued appeal and Nani’s drawing power in challenging roles.

The HIT franchise has become culturally significant in Telugu cinema, representing a shift toward more sophisticated thriller narratives. Critics noted that the film raises the bar for investigative thrillers in Indian cinema.

Final Verdict

HIT: The Third Case succeeds as both a standalone thriller and franchise entry. While it may not achieve perfect balance between entertainment and artistic ambition, it offers compelling elements for action enthusiasts and dramatic content seekers.

I believe Nani’s transformative performance alone makes the film worth watching, supported by solid technical execution and confident direction. The film’s willingness to explore darker themes sets it apart from conventional Telugu action films.

Despite some narrative shortcomings and pacing issues, this represents a significant achievement in contemporary Telugu cinema. It demonstrates that regional cinema can tackle complex themes while maintaining commercial appeal.

For HIT franchise fans, this installment provides expected thrills and psychological depth. For newcomers, it serves as an accessible entry point showcasing the best elements of contemporary Telugu thriller cinema.

Rating: 7/10 – A gripping thriller that succeeds more often than it fails, anchored by exceptional performances and technical excellence.