A High-Polish Thriller with a Familiar Blueprint
HIT: The Third Case opens with the confidence of a film that knows it has big shoes to fill. It’s sleek, visually engaging, and drenched in the style of a top-tier crime thriller. Director Sailesh Kolanu sets up a technically sound landscape with a dark, investigative core, where Nani steps into the spotlight as SP Arjun Sarkaar — a sharp cop battling brutal crimes and his own ethical boundaries.
A Dark Premise with Twisted Stakes
The story begins on a grim note: a series of murders where victims are strung upside down with their throats slit. These ritualistic killings are part of a twisted initiation into a mysterious cult that operates through the dark web. In a bold narrative turn, Arjun Sarkaar must infiltrate this cult by faking murders of his own — a risky move that treads morally murky waters and adds edge to the plot.
The setup is rife with potential for a gritty undercover story — one that could have explored the toll of deception, violence, and blurred lines between good and evil.
Nani: The Lone Flame in a Shadowy World
If HIT 3 thrives anywhere, it’s in the power-packed presence of Nani. As Arjun, he owns every frame, exuding intensity, restraint, and just the right amount of cinematic cool. He navigates action sequences and emotional moments with equal finesse, singlehandedly elevating the film’s energy.
However, this intense focus on Nani comes at the expense of supporting characters. Srinidhi Shetty, though present, is relegated to a functional “heroine” role with minimal impact. The rest of the cast is barely fleshed out, turning this into a one-man show — for better or worse.
A Weak Antagonist in an Otherwise Sharp Setup
While the protagonist is strong, the antagonist, Alpha (Prateik Babbar), fails to rise to the occasion. As the mastermind behind the cult, his motivations remain vague and unconvincing. His cult promises “freedom” but never truly explains its philosophy or menace. He feels less like a true threat and more like a placeholder villain, undercutting the suspense and diminishing the stakes.
When your hero is never truly challenged, the thrill of the chase — so essential in a mystery-thriller — loses impact.
Top-Notch Craftsmanship on the Technical Front
The visual presentation of HIT 3 is one of its major strengths. Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography brings a moody, noir-like texture to the film, while Mickey J. Meyer’s background score drives the tension effectively. Action choreography is crisp, and editing keeps the film pacy. The production values reflect a slick, big-screen experience.
Conclusion: Style Over Substance
HIT: The Third Case has the look, sound, and star power of a gripping crime thriller. But beneath its glossy exterior lies a story that plays it safe. It’s a technically sound, Nani-centric vehicle that misses the opportunity to push boundaries or deliver a villain worth fearing. While watchable and engaging in parts, it ultimately leaves little to linger in the mind once the credits roll.
Short Verdict Quote:
“HIT 3 is a sleek, stylish thriller powered by Nani’s charisma, but lacks the narrative bite to leave a lasting impact.”
