HIT 3 Movie Review: Nani Commands the Screen in a Gritty Crime Thriller
The much-awaited HIT 3 has finally hit the theatres, and it brings back Nani in full form, reprising his role in the investigative thriller franchise. While the film keeps you on edge with its moody atmosphere, tight screenplay, and intense performance by Nani, it falls slightly short of greatness due to a weak antagonist.
For fans of crime thrillers, HIT 3 is a solid ride—but one that could have hit harder with a stronger villain.
Plot Overview: A Case That Gets Personal
Nani returns as Vikram Rudraraju, the no-nonsense cop from the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT), who this time finds himself dealing with a chilling serial killer case that soon gets deeply personal. The story unfolds in Hyderabad with a string of brutal murders, and the trail leads Vikram into dark territory.
The writing is taut, and the first half is especially engaging with red herrings and clues dropped at just the right moments. But as the film enters the final act, the climax lacks the punch it promises.
Nani’s Performance: A Tour De Force
If there’s one reason to watch HIT 3, it’s Nani. He is absolutely magnetic on screen, portraying the tortured, razor-sharp cop with quiet rage and simmering intensity. His body language, voice modulation, and subtle emotional shifts give depth to Vikram’s character like never before.
Whether it’s the investigation sequences, emotional breakdowns, or action scenes, Nani holds the film together like a pro. This is arguably one of his most mature performances in recent years.
What Works: Direction, Atmosphere & Score
Director Sailesh Kolanu keeps his grip on the narrative for most of the runtime. The use of shadows, silences, and slow zooms add to the tension. The cinematography by S. Manikandan deserves a special mention for capturing the gritty, noir-like tone of the film.
The background score by S. Thaman is another highlight. It adds urgency without overwhelming the scenes and gives emotional sequences a deeper impact.
What Doesn’t Work: A Weak Villain & Predictable Reveal
Where HIT 3 falters is in its villain. The antagonist is underwhelming, and their motives—though rooted in real pain—feel rushed and underdeveloped. The reveal, meant to shock, is predictable for thriller regulars.
Moreover, the film hints at a larger HIT universe, but doesn’t fully deliver on that promise. The ending sets up HIT 4, but some viewers may feel this installment was more of a bridge than a complete story.
Audience Reactions: Mixed but Respectful
Early Twitter and social media reactions show that fans are impressed with Nani, calling his performance “next level” and “Oscar-worthy by Telugu standards”. However, many also noted the film “loses steam in the final act”.
Some fan tweets include:
“Nani carried the entire film on his shoulders. Pure class!”
“Expected more from the climax. Still a good watch!”
“HIT 3 > HIT 2 but HIT 1 still the best.”
Final Verdict: A Gripping Watch That Falls Just Short of Greatness
HIT 3 is a solid crime thriller powered by Nani’s terrific performance and strong technical execution. Despite its narrative hiccups and a lackluster villain, it manages to keep the audience engaged for the most part.
It’s definitely a must-watch for fans of the genre and of Nani, but those expecting a mind-blowing twist might walk out slightly underwhelmed.
