INVC NEWS Hyderabad — The wait is finally over. HIT 3: The Third Case, the highly anticipated third installment in the HIT (Homicide Intervention Team) franchise, has made its grand debut—and the early buzz is electric. With Natural Star Nani and Srinidhi Shetty leading the charge, director Sailesh Kolanu crafts a tense, intelligent, and gripping thriller that builds on the legacy of its predecessors while carving out its own sinister territory.

Nani’s Gripping Transformation: A New Face in the HITverse

Nani’s character, Aryan Dev, a forensic psychologist with a traumatic past, anchors the film with quiet intensity and moral conflict. In his first entry into the HIT universe, Nani ditches his trademark charisma for a layered, tortured soul who is driven by justice but haunted by loss. His portrayal marks one of his most mature and restrained performances to date, proving once again why he’s one of Telugu cinema’s most versatile actors.

As Aryan digs deeper into a string of brutal homicides that bear psychological signatures, his descent into the mind of the killer feels chillingly authentic. Nani doesn’t just play the role—he inhabits it. Every twitch, silence, and stare carries meaning, showcasing his brilliant command of emotional nuance.

Srinidhi Shetty Shines: A Promising Debut in Telugu Cinema

Srinidhi Shetty, fresh off her success in KGF, makes a compelling Telugu debut. As Dr. Riya, a trauma specialist who assists Aryan in decoding the killer’s psyche, she is poised, intelligent, and emotionally resonant. Her chemistry with Nani is subtle yet sincere, anchoring the film’s emotional core without distracting from the plot’s darker themes.

Srinidhi handles her role with sophistication, balancing her character’s emotional weight and professional acumen. Her performance is not just decorative—she is integral to the investigation, and the film gives her room to grow, especially in emotionally charged sequences.

Director Sailesh Kolanu Delivers a Masterclass in Psychological Suspense

Returning to the director’s chair, Sailesh Kolanu masterfully ups the ante with HIT 3. This time, the stakes are personal and national, as the killer’s targets include politicians, journalists, and police officers. Kolanu doesn’t just craft another murder mystery; he builds a chilling psychological landscape where every clue is a breadcrumb and every scene tightens the noose.

The screenplay is intricate, multi-layered, and refuses to spoon-feed the audience. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the film swerves into even murkier waters. Kolanu’s strength lies in how he melds procedural accuracy with emotional depth, offering a noir-like experience in a Telugu context.

Adivi Sesh’s Cameo: Surprising and Subtle

While Adivi Sesh’s Vikram Rudraraju (from HIT: The First Case) only appears briefly, his cameo is powerful and poignant. Rather than overshadowing Nani, it adds cohesion to the franchise. His scene not only expands the universe but hints at a crossover event in future installments—a tantalizing possibility for fans of the franchise.

Technical Brilliance: A Slick and Haunting Cinematic Experience

The film’s technical brilliance is another feather in its cap. S Manikandan’s cinematography is slick and atmospheric, using shadows and color contrasts to evoke a sense of dread and claustrophobia. The camera lingers on blood stains, empty corridors, and trembling hands, building unease with surgical precision.

Background music by Suresh Bobbili is sparse but impactful. Rather than relying on loud cues, the score creeps into your subconscious, underlining every emotional high and narrative twist.

The editing by Garry BH is razor-sharp. Clocking in at just over two hours, the film never overstays its welcome. There are no wasted frames—every cut, every silence, every glance serves a narrative purpose.

Plot Breakdown: Twists, Trauma & The Truth

HIT 3 opens with a string of mysterious murders that shake Hyderabad’s political and law enforcement elite. Aryan, newly transferred to the Homicide Intervention Team, is tasked with unraveling a case that grows increasingly personal. The killer leaves cryptic notes referencing classic psychology theories, forcing Aryan and Riya to think like the murderer to stop him.

What follows is a taut cat-and-mouse chase, where Aryan must confront not only the killer but also his own suppressed traumas. As the body count rises, and suspects turn into victims, the narrative constantly evolves—culminating in a shocking climax that redefines the moral lines of justice.

Social Commentary: A Gritty Reflection on Power and Psychosis

More than a crime thriller, HIT 3 explores the fragile boundary between power and psychosis. The killer’s motives are rooted in deep-seated systemic failures, making the audience question not just the characters, but society itself. From corrupt politicians to manipulative media, the film critiques the forces that exploit tragedy for personal gain.

There’s also a consistent undercurrent of mental health discourse, a rarity in Telugu cinema. Aryan and Riya’s professions are not mere titles—they actively engage with the psychological underpinnings of violence, giving the film a rare intellectual edge.

Box Office Potential: A Certified Blockbuster in the Making

Early reports from preview screenings and multiplex chains suggest HIT 3 is on track for a strong box office opening. Word-of-mouth is overwhelmingly positive, especially among urban audiences who crave intelligent cinema. With solid performances, tight writing, and compelling twists, the film is likely to dominate both Telugu and pan-Indian markets.

Moreover, its franchise potential, with crossover possibilities between characters like Vikram and Aryan, adds long-term value to the brand. If HIT 3 performs as expected, a HIT Universe cinematic crossover could rival India’s biggest franchises.

Audience Reactions: Twitterverse Erupts With Praise

Within hours of its release, #HIT3, #Nani, and #SrinidhiShetty trended nationwide on X (formerly Twitter). Fans praised the film’s gripping narrative and hailed Nani’s performance as “career-defining.” Notable film critics and influencers have already given the film 4.5 stars out of 5, with many calling it the best Telugu thriller of the year.

Final Verdict: HIT 3 Is a Must-Watch Psychological Thriller

HIT 3 is not just a sequel—it’s an evolution. With powerful performances, a mind-bending script, and atmospheric direction, it sets a new benchmark for Telugu thrillers. Nani delivers a career-best, Srinidhi proves she’s here to stay, and Sailesh Kolanu once again proves he’s the master of intelligent suspense cinema.

Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, character-driven dramas, or franchise storytelling, HIT 3 is unmissable. It’s cinema that thrills the mind and moves the soul.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A killer film with a conscience.