The Hit franchise returns with its most intense chapter yet — Hit: The 3rd Case. After the success of Hit: The First Case and Hit: The Second Case, this latest installment pushes the limits of crime investigation thrillers in Indian cinema. With sharp storytelling, haunting visuals, and powerful performances, Hit 3 takes audiences deep into the mind of a detective battling not just criminals, but his own inner demons.
Storyline: A Chilling Crime, A Tormented Cop, and a Race Against Time
- Hit: The 3rd Case picks up a year after the events of the second film. The story revolves around Vikram Rudraraju (played again by Adivi Sesh), a brilliant but emotionally scarred detective in the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT). When a disturbing murder case shakes the city — involving a journalist whose body is found in a bizarre ritualistic manner — Vikram is pulled back into the investigation.
- As he dives deeper, the case unfolds like a twisted puzzle — with connections to unsolved crimes, political corruption, and personal betrayals. The tension builds as Vikram battles his trauma, uncovers shocking truths, and is forced to question everything he believes in.
Performances: Adivi Sesh Steals the Show Again
- Adivi Sesh delivers a performance that is both restrained and explosive. As Vikram, he portrays a character broken by the past but fiercely determined to seek justice. His emotional range — from vulnerability to anger — adds layers to the storytelling.
- Joining the cast is Shraddha Srinath, who plays a forensic expert assisting Vikram. Her presence adds both strength and empathy to the film. The chemistry between the two leads is subtle but effective. Other cast members, including Rao Ramesh and a surprise cameo by Vishwak Sen (from the first film), enhance the film with grounded performances.
Direction and Screenplay: Sailesh Kolanu Delivers His Best Yet
- Director Sailesh Kolanu, who created the Hit universe, returns with more ambition and control than ever before. He crafts a story that is darker, more emotional, and deeply psychological. The screenplay is layered with suspense, smart clues, and unexpected twists that keep the viewer engaged till the last frame.
- Unlike typical whodunit thrillers, Hit 3 is more than just a crime-solving drama. It delves into how trauma affects people in law enforcement and how unresolved guilt can cloud judgment. The story moves swiftly, with just enough emotional moments to balance the intensity.
Cinematography and Background Score: Eerie, Stylish, and Effective
- The visuals of Hit: The 3rd Case are hauntingly beautiful. Cinematographer S. Manikandan uses shadows, reflections, and tight frames to heighten the mood. Whether it’s a crime scene or a silent conversation, every frame feels atmospheric.
- The background score by Sricharan Pakala is another highlight. The music adds a chilling edge to the story, especially during investigation sequences and chase scenes. The sound design overall complements the psychological tone of the film perfectly.
Editing and Pacing: Sharp and Well-Timed
Clocking in at around 2 hours 10 minutes, the film keeps its momentum throughout. The editing is sharp, especially in the transitions between flashbacks, crime reconstructions, and interrogation scenes. A few emotional scenes in the middle stretch a bit longer, but the tight climax makes up for it.
Audience and Critical Response: Highly Positive for Crime Thriller Fans
The audience has embraced Hit: The 3rd Case with open arms, especially fans of the thriller genre. On social media, viewers are praising the film’s writing, Adivi Sesh’s performance, and the nail-biting final 30 minutes. The film has sparked discussion for its twist ending, which sets the stage for Hit: The 4th Case.
Critics have also given it a thumbs up, calling it the best entry in the franchise so far. Many reviewers have highlighted the film’s mature storytelling and the franchise’s consistent quality.
Box Office Collection: A Franchise Hit Once Again
- Hit: The 3rd Case opened strongly with ₹9 crore on Day 1, higher than both of its predecessors. The film saw growth over the weekend with ₹27 crore collected in the first three days.
- In its first week, the film collected ₹48 crore in India. The overseas response, especially in the US and UAE, added another ₹10 crore. The total worldwide collection after 10 days now stands at around ₹65 crore.
- Given its budget and genre, this is a strong commercial performance. With digital rights already sold to a major OTT platform, the film is likely to become a long-term success both at the box office and on streaming.
Franchise Future: The HIT Universe Grows Stronger
- Sailesh Kolanu has teased that the HIT universe will continue, with The 4th Case already in early development. A post-credit scene in Hit 3 hints at a crossover with characters from the previous films and possibly a larger criminal conspiracy tying all cases together.
- The idea of a connected thriller universe is rare in Indian cinema, and HIT seems to be doing it with great care and creative vision.
Final Verdict: Hit 3 is Smart, Dark, and Unmissable
- Hit: The 3rd Case is a well-made crime thriller that doesn’t just entertain—it makes you think. With brilliant performances, a layered narrative, and gripping suspense, it proves again why the Hit franchise is one of the most exciting film series in Indian cinema today.
- If you enjoy murder mysteries, psychological thrillers, and clever storytelling, Hit 3 is a must-watch. It’s not just another case — it’s a journey into the shadows of the human mind.
