HIT 3 Movie Review: A High-Octane Thriller That Keeps You Hooked

The third instalment in the HIT universe, HIT: The Third Case, introduces a new protagonist in the form of Arjun Sarkaar, played by Nani, and shifts the franchise’s tone from investigative suspense to visceral action. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, this thriller expands the scope and geography of the series but does so with mixed results. In this HIT 3 movie review, we explore the strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact of this ambitious addition to the HIT series.

A Bold Move: Nani as Arjun Sarkaar

One of the standout aspects of HIT 3 is the casting of Nani in a role unlike anything he has attempted before. Known for his affable, boy-next-door image, Nani fully embraces the gritty world of Arjun Sarkaar — a no-nonsense cop with a violent past and a volatile present. His portrayal is convincing, and his commitment to playing a flawed, middle-aged man navigating personal and professional chaos adds authenticity to the character.

In many ways, Arjun is the franchise’s most psychologically layered protagonist yet. While earlier HIT leads struggled with trauma or anxiety, Arjun seems weighed down by existential dissatisfaction. His confrontations — both internal and external — drive the story forward with a raw intensity that is often compelling to watch.

HIT 3 movie review: A Departure from Classic Whodunit Style

Unlike HIT 1 and HIT 2, which focused heavily on procedural detective work and mystery, HIT 3 leans more towards action-thriller territory. The shift from a methodical investigation to a more chaotic and violent narrative is intentional, but it may divide fans of the original format. The film is less about unravelling a mystery and more about confronting monstrous crimes with equal force.

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The screenplay jumps across multiple locations — from Kashmir to Bihar and beyond — creating a pan-Indian canvas. While this adds scale, it sometimes detracts from the tight storytelling that defined earlier entries. The crimes could easily have been localised, and the vast geographical spread feels more like a stylistic choice than a narrative necessity.

HIT 3 movie review: Visual Grandeur and Stylised Brutality

Visually, HIT 3 is striking. Cinematographer Sanu John Varghese delivers a crisp, atmospheric look that enhances the film’s moody tone. The transitions from serene landscapes to grimy, blood-soaked interiors are effective, especially during high-tension sequences.

Violence is a central theme here, but it’s not without purpose. The brutality isn’t gratuitous; it reflects the warped minds at play and the emotional toll it takes on Arjun. However, some action scenes, especially in the climax, stretch beyond necessity and reduce the overall impact.

HIT 3 movie review: Subtle Humour and Human Elements

Despite its dark subject matter, the film finds space for humour and emotion. Arjun’s strained relationship with his father (played by Samuthirakani) adds a softer dimension to his otherwise abrasive personality. There are also moments of comic relief — especially in his awkward dating app encounters — that humanise him without undercutting the story’s intensity.

One particularly noteworthy scene involves Arjun sincerely appreciating a female officer’s contribution, clearly establishing the film’s stance on gender parity within the force. These small yet meaningful inclusions add richness to the character dynamics and reflect thoughtful writing.

HIT 3 movie review: Supporting Cast and Surprise Inclusions

While HIT 3 largely centres on Nani’s Arjun, the supporting cast still manages to shine. Srinidhi Shetty makes a graceful and plot-relevant entry into the franchise, while Komalee Prasad and Chaithu Jonnalagadda bring credibility to their roles.

Perhaps the most unexpected element is the casting of a Hindi film actor as the antagonist. Eschewing stereotypes, the film chooses someone who adds subtle menace rather than overt masculinity, and it works in the film’s favour.

Areas That Fall Short

Despite its many strengths, HIT 3 is not without flaws. The non-linear narrative sometimes complicates more than it clarifies. Viewers familiar with genre tropes may find themselves predicting key twists before they unfold. Moreover, the absence of a well-integrated ensemble — a hallmark of the previous films — makes this entry feel more like a character study than a cohesive team effort.

The romance angle, while eventually meaningful, takes time to feel relevant and could have been better paced. And while the movie tries to make a philosophical point about the thin line between law enforcers and lawbreakers, it doesn’t explore that theme as deeply as it could have.

HIT 3 movie review: Final Verdict: A Visually Engaging But Uneven Ride

In conclusion, HIT: The Third Case is a bold experiment that partially succeeds. This HIT 3 movie review finds that while the film may not match the tightly-woven brilliance of its predecessors, it compensates with strong performances, visual flair, and thought-provoking moments. Nani’s transformation is the film’s biggest asset, and director Sailesh Kolanu deserves credit for expanding the HIT universe in new directions.

With a clearer narrative and more grounded action, the next instalment could elevate the series back to its investigative roots while retaining the larger scale that HIT 3 attempts to establish.

HIT 3 OTT Release Date

After its theatrical run, HIT 3 is all set to make its digital debut. The movie will be streaming on Netflix from May 29, 2025. This brings a fresh opportunity for those who missed its big-screen experience to watch the intense thriller from the comfort of their homes. Fans of Nani and the HIT franchise can now revisit the gripping investigation led by Arjun Sarkaar on one of the most popular OTT platforms.

If you’re a fan of intense thrillers and want to see Nani in a never-seen-before avatar, HIT 3 is worth your time. Stay tuned for more reviews and updates from the evolving HIT universe — and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Watch the Official Trailer Here