In the realm of Telugu cinema, Nani has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling, drawing audiences in with his thought-provoking narratives and captivating performances. His latest endeavour, ‘HIT 3’, is a visually sleek thriller that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The film, directed by Dr Sailesh Kolanu, marks the third installment in the HIT series and boasts an impressive ensemble cast. But does Nani’s latest offering live up to the hype, or does it falter under the weight of its ambitious premise? Our review of ‘HIT 3’ offers a nuanced exploration of this gripping thriller, shedding light on its highs and lows, and revealing whether Nani’s latest endeavour will leave a lasting impact on the cinematic landscape.
Shifting Gears
In a scene from HIT: The Third Case, a character describes Arjun Sarkaar’s (Nani) actions as “classy”. Arjun retorts that this time, he intends to show his true self — stepping away from the image of refinement often associated with him. In another moment, when someone warns him that he “cannot survive here”, he responds, “I’ve been hearing that since the beginning of my career.” These meta-cinematic lines feel less like commentary on the character and more like nods to the actor himself.
In HIT 3, director Sailesh Kolanu leans into fan service, casting Nani — long embraced by family audiences — in a darker, bloodier setup. The film carries an ‘A’ certificate, and Nani effectively sheds his man-next-door image to become a ruthless cop whose methods, unsurprisingly, come under scrutiny.
The Cop’s New Avatar
Arjun Sarkaar replaces the level-headed Krishna Dev (Adivi Sesh) as SP of the fictional Homicide Intervention Team’s Visakhapatnam unit. His brutal reputation precedes him, and while he may appear to the outside world as a cop with a criminal streak, the film slowly peels back his layers.
Midlife Crisis, Grey Hair, and Embracing Mature Roles
Sailesh Kolanu balances Arjun’s tough-cop persona with a vulnerable personal side. While HIT 1 presented Vikram Rudraraju (Vishwak Sen) as a cop grappling with PTSD, HIT 3 positions Arjun as a man in the throes of a midlife crisis, with fluctuating blood pressure and a simmering sense of discontent.
It is commendable that Nani portrays a character in his 40s, complete with greying hair, making a case for leading men embracing more mature roles.
Balancing Tough-Cop Persona and Gentle Humor
A gentle humour underlines the early sections, particularly in the strained dynamic between Arjun and his father (Samuthirakani), and in his repeated failure to charm women he meets through dating apps.
The Story Unfolds
Non-Linear Screenplay and Layering Arjun’s Character with Mystery
The HIT: The Third Case Director: Sailesh Kolanu Cast: Nani, Srinidhi Shetty Run time: 157 minutes Storyline: Cop Arjun Sarkaar, known for his ruthless treatment to criminals, has to enter a dystopian world to save the lives of innocents.
Sailesh Kolanu balances Arjun’s tough-cop persona with a vulnerable personal side.
While HIT 1 presented Vikram Rudraraju (Vishwak Sen) as a cop grappling with PTSD, HIT 3 positions Arjun as a man in the throes of a midlife crisis, with fluctuating blood pressure and a simmering sense of discontent.
It is commendable that Nani portrays a character in his 40s, complete with greying hair, making a case for leading men embracing more mature roles.
The Geographical Sprawl and Raising the Stakes
The narrative spans Kashmir, Arwal in Bihar, Jaipur, and Arunachal Pradesh — though the crimes could easily have occurred within the Telugu States.
The geographical sprawl, however, raises the stakes of the HIT universe.
Familiar Faces Return with Key Roles and Brief Appearances
Familiar faces from earlier films return, some playing key roles, others making brief appearances.
The romance track, which at first feels like a digression, is eventually woven meaningfully into the plot.
Action Takes Center Stage
The Romance Track: From Digression to Meaningful Plot Twist
Still, one can’t help but wonder — how did a cop famed for his observational prowess miss the obvious?
As the broader pattern of the crime emerges, the film shifts from mystery to action.
The Shift from Mystery to Action and the Intermission Card
The intermission card sets the tone for what lies ahead — for Arjun and for the viewers.
The Visual Palette and the Surreal, Dystopian Setting
The visual palette (cinematography by Sanu John Varghese) plays its part too: when men in white step into a darker setup, everything soon bleeds into crimson.
Since the trailers have already revealed the most violent scenes, the remaining moments of brutality don’t shock.
The violence plays out in a surreal, dystopian setting, somewhat reminiscent of Squid Game.
It’s brutal, yes, but not gratuitous.
Conclusion
In the article “‘HIT 3’ movie review: Nani lifts a visually slick but uneven thriller – The Hindu,” the reviewer provides an in-depth analysis of the latest installment in the HIT series, starring Nani. The key points discussed include the film’s visually stunning cinematography, engaging performances, and a gripping narrative. However, the reviewer also highlights the film’s uneven pacing and lack of a cohesive tone, which detract from the overall viewing experience.
The significance of this review lies in its exploration of the HIT series’ attempt to balance action, suspense, and emotional depth. The film’s visual appeal and Nani’s performances are significant, but they are overshadowed by the narrative’s unevenness. This highlights the challenges of creating a successful thriller, where pacing and tone are crucial elements. The implications of this review are multifaceted, as it raises questions about the direction of the HIT series and the role of visual storytelling in contemporary cinema.
As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the HIT series evolves and addresses the criticisms raised by this review. Will future installments be able to strike a better balance between action and emotional depth, or will they continue to prioritize visual spectacle over narrative coherence? The answer to this question will have significant implications for the future of the series and the thriller genre as a whole. As the reviewer notes, the HIT series “has the potential to be a visual spectacle of unparalleled scope, but it needs to work on its narrative to justify the hype.”