What makes a thriller truly gripping—style, substance, or something deeper? A Review of HIT: The Third Case on Netflix
What makes a thriller truly gripping—style, substance, or something deeper? A Review of HIT: The Third Case on Netflix
As a film critic, I invite you to reflect on what draws you to a crime thriller. Is it the pulse-pounding action, the unraveling of a mystery, or the emotional weight of a flawed protagonist? HIT: The Third Case, the third installment in Sailesh Kolanu’s Telugu-language HIT franchise, now streaming on Netflix, aims to deliver all these elements but stumbles in its ambition. Starring Nani as the ruthless cop Arjun Sarkaar, the film trades the investigative nuance of its predecessors for a blood-soaked spectacle. Let’s explore whether this shift hits the mark or misses the target, and what questions it raises about the evolution of the franchise.
A Plot Drenched in Violence
HIT: The Third Case follows SP Arjun Sarkaar, a Homicide Intervention Team (HIT) officer whose morally gray actions land him in jail. Through flashbacks, we learn of his mission to dismantle a dark web cult responsible for grisly murders across India. The story begins with a shocking act: Arjun commits a brutal murder, recording it before investigating his own crime. As he chases a group of serial killers, led by the enigmatic “Alpha” (Prateik Babbar), the narrative weaves through Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Jammu & Kashmir, culminating in a violent showdown that sets the stage for HIT: The Fourth Case.
What drives a cop to such extreme measures? The film hints at Arjun’s midlife crisis and simmering discontent, but does it delve deeply enough into his psyche to justify his rage? These questions linger as the plot prioritizes action over introspection.
Nani’s Commanding Presence Amid a Weak Script
Nani, often celebrated as Telugu cinema’s “Natural Star” for his relatable charm, steps into uncharted territory as the brooding, aggressive Arjun. His performance is the film’s heartbeat, blending intensity with moments of vulnerability—like his failed attempts at dating or his strained relationship with his father (Samuthirakani). Nani’s commitment to portraying a greying, age-appropriate cop in his 40s is commendable, but the script doesn’t fully support his transformation. Why does Arjun’s rage feel forced at times? Could a richer backstory, akin to Nani’s role in Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, have grounded his character?
The supporting cast, including Srinidhi Shetty as Arjun’s love interest Mrudula, struggles to leave a mark. Shetty brings elegance and a surprising twist, but her role feels undercooked. Prateik Babbar’s Alpha is a glaring misstep—a physically imposing villain whose weak dialogue and lack of menace undermine the stakes. How does a thriller sustain tension without a compelling antagonist? The film’s reliance on Nani’s star power and cameos from HIT alumni like Adivi Sesh and Karthi can’t fully compensate for these gaps.
A Visual Feast with a Hollow Core
Visually, HIT: The Third Case is a triumph. Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography captures the gritty landscapes of Jammu & Kashmir and the chaotic energy of urban crime scenes with stark realism. Mickey J. Meyer’s background score, particularly the “Arjun Sarkaar Theme,” elevates the action, though some tracks feel derivative. The film’s A-rating is well-earned, with CGI-enhanced gore that’s both lifelike and unsettling—think dismembered limbs and blood-soaked forests. If you’re drawn to the raw violence of films like Hostel or Kill, this may be your jam. But does the excessive bloodshed serve the story, or is it a stylistic crutch?
The action choreography, including a standout long-take sequence, channels the realism of Extraction, but the second half leans heavily on mass-action tropes. The shift from mystery to survival thriller feels jarring, as if the film is torn between honoring the HIT universe’s investigative roots and chasing commercial appeal. Why does the narrative abandon the “whodunit” template that made HIT 1 and 2 so engaging? This identity crisis dilutes the film’s impact.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The HIT series began with HIT: The First Case (2020), a taut thriller about a PTSD-plagued cop (Vishwak Sen), followed by HIT: The Second Case (2022), where Adivi Sesh’s sarcastic detective unraveled a chilling mystery. Both films balanced procedural detail with personal struggles, earning praise for their storytelling. HIT 3, however, feels like a departure, prioritizing style over substance. The non-linear screenplay and fan-service moments—like meta dialogue where Arjun declares he’ll show his “mass” side—cater to Nani’s fanbase but alienate viewers seeking depth. What happens when a franchise sacrifices its core for broader appeal?
Critics have been divided. The Times of India praises Nani’s “gritty, stylized” outing, rating it 3.5/5, while Rotten Tomatoes notes the film’s failure to honor the series’ investigative intent, calling it a “bloated action schlockfest.” On X, fans laud Nani’s intensity but criticize the predictable plot and weak villain. The film’s box office success—grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide—proves Nani’s draw, but its OTT debut on Netflix has sparked controversy, particularly over a derogatory term in the Tamil-dubbed version. How does such a misstep reflect on the film’s broader reception?
A Missed Opportunity with Moments of Brilliance
HIT: The Third Case is a paradox—a visually slick thriller anchored by Nani’s magnetic performance, yet hampered by a shallow script and genre confusion. It entertains in bursts, especially in the pre-climax action and cameo-driven finale, but lacks the emotional weight and suspense that defined its predecessors. For Nani fans, it’s a treat to see him break from his boy-next-door image, but the film doesn’t fully capitalize on his potential. Could a tighter focus on Arjun’s inner turmoil or a more formidable villain have elevated it?
As you watch on Netflix, ask yourself: Does the thrill of violence outweigh the need for a compelling story? Can a franchise evolve without losing its soul? HIT: The Third Case is a bold experiment that doesn’t quite land, but it leaves you curious about where HIT 4, teased with Karthi’s ACP Veerappan, will take us next. For now, this case is a 2.5/5—worth a watch for Nani’s grit, but don’t expect it to crack the code of a great thriller.