- Monday, May 19, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Hit: The Third Case, the latest addition to the popular HIT Universe, is drawing strong reactions on social media following its theatrical release on Thursday (1). Featuring Nani in the lead role as Arjun Sarkar, the Telugu thriller — also released in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada — has been praised by fans for its intense second half, powerful performances, and surprise cameos.
Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, the film is the third installment in the crime thriller series, following HIT: The First Case and HIT: The Second Case. While some early viewers found the first half of the film slightly slow, most agree that the second half packs a serious punch, with many likening the violent, edge-of-the-seat moments to Squid Game.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), fans have expressed their excitement over Nani’s role. “Entire movie runs on Arjun Sarkaar’s characterisation and @NameisNani did a fabulous job. It’s more of an action movie than a thriller. I loved it. Extremely gory by Telugu standards, strictly adults only HIT 3,” wrote one user.
Asusal nani madly performed for Arjun Sarkar! 1st half of #HIT3 is engaging and gripping! One liners and Madrasi dialogue worked really well! Kids should definitely stay away. Into the next half. pic.twitter.com/Q3NxJfrF52
— Sashankk Manakonduru (@DigitalBeets) May 1, 2025
Another tweet read, “Nani wanted to prove a point with Hit, and he has done it beautifully. The cameos, wow.” The film’s special appearances have become one of the most talked-about highlights, with several fans claiming the last 30 minutes are “whistle-worthy.”
While the initial pace of the film didn’t impress all viewers, the compelling storytelling, tight screenplay, and Nani’s commanding screen presence kept most glued to their seats. A fan remarked, “Bit slow first half but has its moments. A few intense scenes stand out in HIT 3.” Another tweet added, “@NameisNani’s screen presence and swag are pure lit. Good second half. Excellent last 30 minutes and cameos.”
A.avg 1st Half Despite Some Minor Flaws, #Hit3 demands a Good Theatre Experience. @NameisNani Screenpresence & Swag is Pure Lit & on one liners are holding this together so far , At times impactful direction !! pic.twitter.com/CIOEJaWI6T
— koti1177 (@koti1177) May 1, 2025
Comparisons to Korean series Squid Game appeared multiple times in reactions. One fan noted, “The second half has the most massive moments with gruesome episodes that felt like Squid Game influenced. Nani’s screen presence is fantastic, and 6-7 whistle-worthy scenes, especially on a single screen!”
The audience also praised director Sailesh Kolanu’s ability to capture high-octane emotion and action. “Natural star Nani mass feast, Sailesh Kolanu direction, screenplay, dialogues on spot, action sequences, cameos, music and BGM is so good,” one fan posted. Another chimed in, “HIT 3 is a raw, rustic and adrenaline-high film with massive cameos and action-packed back emotion. @KolanuSailesh back to form with a Hit 3. @NameisNani Huge respect and 200 cr club for sure.”
Also starring Srinidhi Shetty, Adil Pala, Rao Ramesh, Brahmaji and Maganti Srinath, HIT: The Third Case has music composed by Mickey J Meyer and is produced by Nani’s own banner, Wall Poster Cinema. With its gripping narrative and powerful central performance, the film seems to have struck a chord with action-thriller enthusiasts across India.
