The HIT franchise — short for Homicide Intervention Team — has carved a niche in Telugu cinema with its sharp crime thrillers, compelling protagonists, and intricate storytelling. After the success of HIT: The First Case (2020) and HIT: The Second Case (2022), the third installment, HIT: The Third Case, arrives with heightened expectations and delivers an edge-of-the-seat experience that both honors the franchise and takes it into darker, deeper territory.
Plot Overview: A Case That Gets Personal
In HIT 3, the story follows SP Vishwak Sen (returning as Vikram Rudraraju from HIT 1), who is now part of an elite special investigative unit tasked with solving a gruesome and highly complex series of murders in Hyderabad. When a high-profile industrialist’s daughter is found dead under mysterious circumstances, what initially appears to be a politically sensitive case quickly spirals into a twisted game of cat and mouse involving powerful businessmen, corrupt law enforcers, and deeply buried secrets.
As Vikram navigates the intricate web of lies, he is forced to confront traumas from his own past, making the investigation not just a professional challenge, but a deeply personal crusade.
Performances: Intensity at Its Finest
- Vishwak Sen delivers a career-best performance. His portrayal of Vikram, a man battling PTSD and obsessive investigative instincts, is nuanced and emotionally grounded. His transformation from the slightly volatile officer in HIT 1 to a more methodical, haunted investigator is impressive.
- Aishwarya Rajesh, playing forensic expert Dr. Anjali, offers strong support. Her chemistry with Vishwak Sen is understated but effective, adding emotional depth without derailing the taut narrative.
- Rao Ramesh and Murali Sharma, as senior officers entangled in the case, bring gravitas and credibility, enriching the procedural elements of the plot.
Direction and Screenplay: Sailesh Kolanu’s Most Ambitious Yet
Sailesh Kolanu, the creator and director of the HIT universe, elevates the narrative sophistication in HIT 3. His hallmark style — gritty realism, methodical investigation, and non-linear storytelling — is on full display here but with a broader canvas and higher stakes.
The screenplay is tight and layered, weaving together multiple timelines and subplots without confusing the audience. The twists feel organic rather than forced, keeping viewers engaged right up to the climactic revelation.
Technical Brilliance
- Cinematography (S. Manikandan): The moody, atmospheric visuals heighten the tension. The night sequences, interrogation room shots, and drone perspectives over Hyderabad give the film a slick, neo-noir aesthetic.
- Music (S. Thaman): The pulsating background score underscores the suspense effectively. Thaman’s music is subtle but builds momentum at key moments without overpowering the scenes.
- Editing (Garry BH): Razor-sharp editing ensures the narrative never drags. Flashbacks and investigative montages are seamlessly woven into the present-day timeline.
What Sets HIT 3 Apart?
- Mature Storytelling: Unlike many thrillers that rely on over-the-top action, HIT 3 is cerebral and grounded. The focus remains firmly on investigation and character psychology.
- World-Building: The expanding HIT universe gets richer here. There are smart callbacks to cases and characters from the first two films, hinting at a larger interlinked narrative.
- Emotionally Resonant: Vikram’s personal struggles are more fleshed out, making the stakes feel real and relatable.
Weaknesses (Minor)
- The complex narrative may require viewers to stay highly attentive — casual audiences might find certain plot threads demanding.
- The romantic subplot between Vikram and Anjali, while well-acted, occasionally disrupts the pacing during the otherwise tight investigation.
Final Verdict
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐
HIT: The Third Case is an expertly crafted, intellectually stimulating thriller that stands as the best in the franchise so far. With stellar performances, a gripping narrative, and top-notch technical finesse, it is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and investigative thrillers.
Whether you’re a follower of the HIT universe or a newcomer, this film promises an engrossing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Where to Watch (as of 2025)
- Theatrical Release: Running in cinemas (Telugu + dubbed versions)
- OTT Release (Expected): Amazon Prime Video (tentative — keep an eye on official announcements)
Will There Be a HIT: The Fourth Case?
Without giving spoilers, let’s just say the closing scenes of HIT 3 strongly hint at the HIT universe expanding even further — perhaps into pan-Indian territory. Director Sailesh Kolanu has subtly laid the groundwork for future crossovers and interconnected narratives, promising exciting times ahead for fans of the series.
