Review: HIT 3: The Third Case (2025)

Genre: Crime Thriller, Action

Director: Sailesh Kolanu

Writer: Sailesh Kolanu

Run Time: 2 hours 12 minutes

Starring: Adivi Sesh, Nani, Ruhani Sharma, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Rao Ramesh, Tanikella Bharani

Summary:

HIT 3: The Third Case is the thrilling culmination of Sailesh Kolanu’s HIT universe, tying together narratives from the previous films (HIT: The First Case and HIT: The Second Case) into a tightly wound, explosive film. In this third installment, investigator Vikram Rudraraju (Adivi Sesh) and KD (Nani) must work together as a serial killer terrorizes Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam with a cryptic pattern that links past victims from both of their cases. The movie spans across two cities and multiple timelines, gradually unearthing a personal connection between the killer and the protagonists.

Adivi Sesh delivers a career-defining performance as Vikram, channeling vulnerability, rage, and razor-sharp focus. His emotional arc—especially in a gut-punch scene involving a confrontation with his past—is one of the film’s most powerful moments.

Nani, reprising his role as KD, balances intensity with wry humor, offering much-needed levity without undercutting the film’s grim tone. His chemistry with Sesh is electric, making their partnership one of the film’s major strengths.

Ruhani Sharma returns as Neha with a more active role, showcasing both compassion and resolve in the face of devastating truths.

Meenakshi Chaudhary plays a new forensic expert whose analytical skills help crack the case wide open. She is sharp and grounded, a welcome addition to the HIT universe.

Director-writer Sailesh Kolanu masterfully ties up long-running threads, delivering a smart, emotionally charged script filled with twists that feel earned. The pacing is brisk, and the tension is palpable throughout, though the second act briefly sags under the weight of its multiple storylines. Still, Kolanu sticks the landing with a third-act twist that is as shocking as it is satisfying.

HIT 3 is a gripping conclusion to a rare genre franchise in Indian cinema. It’s smart, slick, and packed with standout performances—especially from Sesh and Nani. While not flawless, it rewards longtime fans and newcomers alike with a satisfying blend of crime, emotion, and adrenaline.

Rating: 8.5/10