Cinemix: Hit 3

HIT 3: The Third Case – Full Movie Analysis

Image Source: IMDB

HIT 3: The Third Case is a 2025 Indian Telugu-language neo-noir psychological crime thriller film written and directed by Sailesh Kolanu. It serves as the third installment in the critically acclaimed HIT (Homicide Intervention Team) franchise, following HIT: The First Case (2020) and HIT: The Second Case (2022). Produced by Nani and Prashanti Tipirneni under Wall Poster Cinema, the film stars Nani in the lead role, marking his first on-screen appearance in the HIT universe after producing the earlier installments.

The film continues the cinematic universe's tradition of merging investigative procedural narratives with intense psychological elements, and this time, takes the story beyond the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh jurisdictions into a national-level crisis. HIT 3 was released theatrically on May 2, 2025, and opened to a strong box office reception, with both critics and audiences praising Nani’s performance, the intricate storytelling, and the haunting score.

Plot

The story of HIT 3: The Third Case picks up one year after the shocking events of HIT 2, where KD (Krishna Dev), the sharp and witty officer played by Adivi Sesh, dismantled a gruesome serial killer network. However, just as peace seemed within reach, a far more insidious and intelligent criminal emerges, threatening not just individuals but the entire HIT network.

The movie opens with the mysterious death of a Central Bureau of Intelligence (CBI) officer in Hyderabad, whose body is found in a locked apartment, arranged in a ritualistic manner. The Hyderabad Police are baffled, and the investigation is transferred to the National HIT Division, a newly formed elite team designed to tackle high-profile, cross-state cases.

Enter Arjun Rudra (played by Nani), a former forensic psychiatrist turned investigative officer, who has been in voluntary exile following a traumatic case that led to a personal breakdown. Commissioner Vishwanath (Murali Sharma), aware of Arjun’s unmatched profile analysis skills, persuades him to return. Reluctantly, Arjun rejoins the HIT unit.

As the investigation progresses, Arjun discovers eerie patterns connecting the murder to several cold cases from different Indian cities over the past decade. Each murder has a signature – a symbolic object left at the crime scene, which aligns with ancient Indian mythology. The killer, who begins to be referred to as "The Oracle," uses cryptic messages and intellectual games to mock the investigators.

Arjun’s investigation leads him through a maze of false leads, internal betrayal, and personal trauma. When a fellow officer is killed under similar circumstances, Arjun becomes obsessed. He partners with KD (Adivi Sesh) for a brief crossover to trace the Oracle’s psychological profile.

The film's climax reveals the killer to be a former academic turned fanatic, who believes he’s on a divine mission to punish corrupt law enforcement officers. Arjun, grappling with his own guilt over a past mistake that ruined an innocent man’s life, faces a moral and professional reckoning.

In a dramatic showdown at an abandoned monastery in Tamil Nadu, Arjun confronts the Oracle and ends the killing spree—but not without significant cost to his psyche and relationships. The movie ends on a bittersweet note, suggesting Arjun may retire permanently, while a post-credits scene hints at an international-level case, setting up HIT 4.

Cast

Nani as Arjun Rudra, a former forensic psychiatrist turned HIT officer with a traumatic past.
Adivi Sesh as KD (Krishna Dev), a cameo appearance aiding the investigation.
Ruhani Sharma as Neha, Arjun’s ex-fiancée and a forensic analyst.
Murali Sharma as Commissioner Vishwanath, head of National HIT Division.
Rao Ramesh as Dr. Prakash Rao, a criminologist and mentor to Arjun.
Naveen Chandra as Officer Surya, a skeptical but loyal HIT team member.
Priya Mani as Dr. Anupama, a clinical psychologist studying the Oracle’s patterns.
Ajay as The Oracle, the mysterious antagonist (role kept under wraps until release).

Production

Development

After the success of HIT: The Second Case, director Sailesh Kolanu confirmed that the HIT cinematic universe would continue with further chapters. The third installment was greenlit in mid-2023, with the director announcing that HIT 3 would feature a new protagonist and expand the scale of the narrative.

Nani, who had been a producer of the first two films, was confirmed as the lead actor in early 2024, generating major buzz. Sailesh Kolanu expressed that Nani's versatility made him perfect for portraying a complex and emotionally tormented officer.

Casting

The casting process began in mid-2024, with a focus on actors who could handle emotionally intense and layered characters. Adivi Sesh returned for a cameo as KD, while Ruhani Sharma reprised her role from the first installment. Rao Ramesh and Priya Mani joined the cast to lend gravitas to the psychological elements of the story.

Filming

Principal photography began in August 2024 and concluded in February 2025. Filming locations included Hyderabad, Chennai, Ooty, and parts of Kerala. The climax scene, shot in an ancient monastery, required weeks of preparation and involved over 150 crew members.

Cinematography was handled by S. Manikandan, whose visual style brought a moody, noir aesthetic to the film. Background score composer Sree Vishnu, known for his work in HIT 2, returned with a haunting score that played a significant role in building tension.

Release

Theatrical

HIT 3 was released theatrically on May 2, 2025, in over 1500 screens worldwide. It was simultaneously released in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi dubbed versions to cater to a wider audience. Special premieres were held in Hyderabad and Mumbai, attended by the entire cast and crew.

Streaming

The digital rights for HIT 3 were acquired by Amazon Prime Video for a record sum in Telugu cinema. The film is scheduled to stream on the platform beginning June 14, 2025, after a six-week theatrical window.

Home Media

DVD and Blu-ray versions, including behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary, will be available by July 2025, distributed by Aditya Music and Wall Poster Home Entertainment.

Reception

Critical Response

HIT 3 received mostly positive reviews from critics. Reviewers praised the performances, especially Nani’s portrayal of Arjun Rudra. The psychological depth of the story and the neo-noir treatment were also highlighted.

The Hindu called it “a taut, cerebral thriller with a powerful emotional core.”
Times of India rated it 4/5, saying “Nani redefines the crime thriller genre with his performance.”
Firstpost praised the writing and called it “a mature evolution of the HIT franchise.”

Box Office

The film grossed over ₹155 crore worldwide in its first three weeks, becoming the highest-grossing film in the HIT franchise. It opened with ₹22 crore on day one, thanks to Nani’s star power and strong word of mouth.

Notes

The title "The Third Case" refers both to Arjun’s third major investigation and the third installment in the HIT universe.
The post-credits scene, featuring an anonymous international agency contacting KD, hints at a possible HIT 4 set on a global scale.
Sailesh Kolanu revealed that the HIT universe will eventually culminate in an ensemble film involving all protagonists.
Nani’s character Arjun is subtly hinted to be a former student of Vikram Rudraraju (Vishwak Sen’s character from HIT 1), linking the storylines.
The movie’s script was vetted by psychological consultants and criminologists to ensure accuracy in the depiction of mental disorders and forensic science.

Soundtrack

The original background score and songs were composed by Sree Vishnu, who returned after composing for HIT 2. The soundtrack features five tracks:

“Shadows of Truth” – Instrumental
“Oracle's Code” – A haunting number featuring Armaan Malik
“Silent Mind” – A reflective melody sung by Sid Sriram
“Rudra Rising” – High-energy investigative montage track
“Closure” – End-credits song with visuals from the case files

The album received critical acclaim and trended on multiple music platforms.

References

“HIT 3 Announced with Nani in the Lead,” – India Today, August 2024.
“Interview with Director Sailesh Kolanu” – The Hindu, March 2025.
“Behind the Scenes of HIT 3” – Film Companion, April 2025.
“Box Office Report: HIT 3 Smashes Records” – Bollywood Hungama, May 2025.
“Sree Vishnu Talks About Composing for HIT 3” – Rolling Stone India, April 2025.

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