HIT 3 Review: Intense Violence Drives This Action Thriller
Natural Star Nani is riding high on a successful streak, and with HIT 3, he ventures into uncharted territory, portraying a fierce, no-nonsense cop. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, this latest installment in the HIT franchise promises high-stakes action and emotional depth. Let’s break down whether it delivers on its buzz.
Plot Summary:
Arjun Sarkaar (Nani) is a hard-edged, brutal police officer who finds himself at the center of a chilling mystery. A series of gruesome murders—eerily similar in nature—begin to surface across different locations. As Arjun delves deeper, questions arise: Who is orchestrating these crimes? What fuels Arjun’s extreme methods? The answers unfold as the story progresses, weaving together past trauma and present-day justice.
What Works:
Nani’s transformation is the film’s biggest asset. This role allows him to break free from his usual screen image and showcase a darker, more aggressive persona. His performance—both physically and emotionally—adds immense weight to the film. Whether it’s his steely expressions or intense line delivery, Nani owns the screen.
The narrative begins as a taut investigative drama and gradually morphs into an all-out action spectacle. The second half, in particular, cranks up the intensity with relentless sequences that will appeal to fans of gritty action. The action choreography is unapologetically brutal and visually impactful—something rarely seen in recent Telugu cinema.
Srinidhi Shetty impresses in a well-written supporting role and shares notable chemistry with Nani. The film also benefits from multiple stylish cameo appearances, which elevate the intrigue. Prateik Babbar, making his Telugu debut, brings menace to his antagonist role, fitting into the film’s eerie tone with ease.
There’s an emotional core that justifies Arjun’s violent ways, and this backstory adds a layer of depth to an otherwise action-heavy film. The final 20 minutes are especially gripping, echoing the flair of intense Bollywood thrillers.
What Could Have Been Better:
HIT 3 isn’t for the faint-hearted. Its graphic violence and adult themes make it unsuitable for a family audience. Some scenes are unsettling, and the over-reliance on gore might alienate viewers looking for a more balanced narrative.
While the film delivers action in spades, it falls a bit short in terms of twists and emotional drama. The storyline, though solid, feels straightforward without the unpredictable turns that one might expect from a suspense thriller.
The screenplay in the first half tends to drag, and more layered storytelling could have added depth. At times, the pacing dips, and the lack of engaging subplots makes the early portions feel stretched.
Technical Aspects:
Mickey J Meyer’s music supports the film adequately, although the background score could’ve added more tension, especially in the build-up scenes. On the technical front, the production design is impressive—action sequences are slick, and the visual effects bring a raw edge to the violent imagery. The editing is sharp, and the set designs during action scenes are particularly well-done.
Director Sailesh Kolanu stays true to the HIT universe and successfully reinvents his lead actor. His vision for HIT 3 is ambitious, and while a more layered villain or unexpected plot turns would have elevated the film, he delivers a solid thriller packed with adrenaline and emotion.
Verdict:
HIT 3 is a gritty, emotionally driven action thriller that showcases Nani like never before. While the film leans heavily into violence and might not be for everyone, action lovers and fans of survival dramas will find it an engaging watch. With intense performances and raw storytelling, HIT 3 delivers a satisfying, if somewhat straightforward, cinematic ride.
Rating: 2.5/5
