The much-anticipated third installment in the “HIT” (Homicide Intervention Team) franchise — “HIT 3” — delivers a sharp, emotionally charged thriller that blends action, suspense, and psychological depth with notable improvements over its predecessors. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, the film continues his vision of a hard-hitting investigative universe grounded in Indian crime drama.
Plot & Premise
“HIT 3” centers around Arjun Sarkaar (played by Nani), a sharp and emotionally conflicted cop pulled into a brutal series of murders that seem eerily personal. Set in a new city and a fresh investigative unit, the film cleverly maintains its anthology feel while weaving in subtle connections to past events from “HIT: The First Case” and “HIT: The Second Case.”
As the investigation unravels, Arjun faces not only a twisted criminal but also his own inner demons — adding layers to what could have been a straightforward whodunit.
Performances
Nani steals the show with a controlled and intense performance, easily one of his best in recent years. His portrayal of a haunted yet determined cop gives the movie emotional gravitas. The supporting cast — including Suhas, Rao Ramesh, and Bhanu Chander — bring authenticity to their roles, adding tension and credibility to the unfolding mystery.
Direction & Technical Aspects
Director Sailesh Kolanu continues to build a gripping investigative world, balancing pace and character depth with finesse. The screenplay is tighter and more mature than in HIT 2, and the cinematography by S. Manikandan captures the dark, urban tones with gritty realism.
The film’s background score by John Stewart Eduri is a standout — subtle yet evocative, amplifying every twist and emotional beat without overwhelming the narrative.
Strengths
- Strong performances, especially from Nani
- Engaging and unpredictable storyline
- Improved pacing and direction compared to earlier films
- Dark, moody cinematography that suits the genre
Weaknesses
- Slightly overextended runtime in the second half
- Some plot points may feel overly familiar to seasoned crime-thriller fans
Verdict
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
“HIT 3” proves that the franchise has staying power. It’s a smart, well-acted thriller that respects its audience’s intelligence while delivering enough edge-of-your-seat moments to satisfy any crime drama enthusiast. With strong performances and a more polished narrative, it’s a solid step forward in what is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s most exciting crime universes.
