HIT: The Third Case: review (2025)
HIT: The Third Case, released on 1 May 2025, is the third installment in the HIT Universe and follows SP Arjun Sarkar (Nani) as he infiltrates a secret dark‑web syndicate through brutal undercover murders to expose their psychopath network. This Telugu‑language action thriller blends tight investigative beats with mass‑action set pieces, anchored by Nani’s commanding performance and Sanu John Varghese’s gritty cinematography, yet it divides critics with its graphic violence, a noticeable pacing dip in the second half, and questions around emotional depth.
Storyline
Arjun Sarkar, a skilled but morally complex officer of the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT), begins the film in prison, accused of a gruesome crime. Through flashbacks, we learn that Arjun hanged a criminal upside down and recorded it to infiltrate CTK (Capture, Torture, Kill), a dark‑web syndicate that recruits psychopaths by forcing them to commit real murders.
As the investigation unfolds—from Visakhapatnam to Jammu and Kashmir—the narrative weaves personal stakes, moral dilemmas, and relentless twists that reveal the extent of CTK’s reach and Arjun’s unorthodox methods
Genre
HIT: The Third Case is firmly rooted in the action thriller and crime thriller genres, combining detective procedural elements with high‑impact mass‑action sequences and a dark, suspenseful tone
Review
Critics offered mixed reviews, unanimously praising Nani’s intense portrayal of Arjun Sarkar and the film’s well‑staged action sequences, while taking issue with its excessive violence and a narrative that occasionally loses momentum.
Pros
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Nani’s performance: His raw aggression, emotional depth, and commanding screen presence power the film, making every moment he’s onscreen compelling.
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Action sequences: The set pieces are tightly choreographed and viscerally impactful, delivering the thrills expected from a mass‑action thriller.
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Cinematography & editing: Sanu John Varghese’s gritty visuals and Karthika Srinivas’s sharp cutting create a tense, immersive atmosphere.
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Supporting cast & cameos: Srinidhi Shetty and the ensemble support Nani effectively, and the surprise end‑credit cameo teases the next chapter in the franchise.
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Musical score: Mickey J. Meyer’s soundtrack and background score punctuate both romantic interludes and suspenseful moments with flair
Cons
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Excessive violence and gore: The film’s graphic dismemberments and blood‑soaked set pieces may alienate sensitive viewers and even hardcore thriller fans
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Pacing dip in the second half: After a tightly wound first act, the narrative momentum slackens, making some revelations feel drawn‑out
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Lack of emotional depth: While the premise is intriguing, the film sometimes prioritizes spectacle over character development, leaving insufficient emotional resonance to justify its brutality
In summary, HIT: The Third Case delivers a high‑voltage, performance‑driven thriller that succeeds in its action ambitions but falters in balancing gore with depth. It’s a must‑watch for fans of gritty crime dramas and Nani’s evolving career, provided you can handle its unapologetic violence.