HIT: The Third Case (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
HIT: The Third Case is a 2025 action thriller directed by Sailesh Kolanu, starring Samuthirakani as Arjun Sarkar’s father, Nani and Napoleon. It runs 2 hours 37 minutes and earned $1.4 million worldwide on a $7.7 million budget. IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 37m (157 min)
- Director
- Sailesh Kolanu
- Original language
-
Telugu
- Studio
- Wall Poster Cinema
- Budget
- $7.7M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is HIT: The Third Case About?
The premise of HIT: The Third Case without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Arjun Sarkaar, a distinguished HIT officer from Visakhapatnam, is dispatched to the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir to unravel a string of gruesome murders. As he tracks a shadowy gang of elusive killers, the investigation pushes his investigative acumen and personal courage to their limits.
HIT: The Third Case Cast & Characters
Samuthirakani leads the cast as Arjun Sarkar’s father, with Nani as Arjun Sarkaar and Napoleon as Rajan Sarkar (Archive Photo). Directed by Sailesh Kolanu; 18 actors are credited in all.
- Director Sailesh Kolanu
-
Samuthirakani as Arjun Sarkar’s father - Nani as Arjun Sarkaar
- Napoleon as Rajan Sarkar (Archive Photo)
- Ravindra Vijay as Samuel Joseph
Also Starring in HIT: The Third Case
· 14 more- Srinidhi Shetty Mrudula
- Tisca Chopra Krutika Ahuja
- Komalee Prasad Varsha
- Amit Sharma Jaipur Killer
- Prateik Babbar Alpha
- Rao Ramesh Nageswara Rao
- Ruheen Ali Khan ACP Dhanya
- Karthi ACP Veerappan (Special Appearance)
- Adivi Sesh Krishna 'K.D.' Dev
- Kishore Kumar Polimera Truck Driver
- Maganti Srinath Abhilash (Special Appearance)
- Surya Srinivas Ravi
- Chaitu Jonnalagadda Diwakar
- Adil Pala Zubair Ahmed Khan
More from Sailesh Kolanu
More films directed by Sailesh Kolanu: HIT: The 2nd Case and HIT: The First Case.
HIT: The Third Case Reviews & Ratings
IMDb users rate HIT: The Third Case 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 64/100, strongest in art & craft (70) and weakest in story & flow (55).
HIT: The Third Case Echo Score Breakdown
HIT: The Third Case delivers a high‑octane experience anchored by Nani's vigorous performance, yet it struggles to maintain narrative cohesion and character depth. The film excels in visceral action and occasional technical flourishes, while its plot often feels routine and its emotional stakes under‑developed. Critics note a polarized reception, with praise for visual style and music counterbalanced by criticism of pacing and storytelling. Consequently, the movie offers moments of engagement but leaves a mixed overall impression.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of art and craft, the film showcases striking cinematography and impressive action choreography praised by several reviewers. However, early critiques highlight shaky camera work, generic music, and uneven editing in the second half. The direction alternates between bold visual statements and routine execution, resulting in a generally strong but inconsistent technical presentation.
- Character & Emotion 65
When evaluating character and emotion, Nani's performance stands out as a central strength, with many noting his intensity and screen presence. Yet, multiple critics point out a lack of depth for both the protagonist and antagonist, describing motivations as under‑explored. Supporting roles receive mixed feedback, leading to an overall respectable but imperfect character landscape.
- Story & Flow 55
Story and flow receive the most criticism, as reviewers describe the plot as routine, lacking twists, and at times incoherent. While the first half is regarded as engaging, the second half shifts toward excessive violence, diluting narrative tension. Some reviewers commend the pacing in later sections, but the overall consensus is that the storyline fails to sustain its initial promise.
- Sensory Experience 68
Sensory experience is highlighted by commendations for the film’s atmospheric cinematography, effective use of shadows, and a powerful background score that accentuates tension. Conversely, earlier opinions note generic and dull music choices. The visual style generally impresses, while the soundtrack divides opinion, resulting in a solid but not uniformly praised sensory package.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Rewatch factor appears moderate; the film’s high‑energy action sequences and surprise climax encourage repeat viewings for genre enthusiasts. Nonetheless, criticisms of repetitive plot elements and uneven pacing diminish its appeal for broader audiences. While some reviewers anticipate future installments, the overall willingness to revisit the film remains balanced.
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IMDb 6.9 /10
14774 votes
-
TMDB 67% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.9 /5
29405 ratings
See on Letterboxd
HIT: The Third Case Plot Summary
What happens in HIT: The Third Case from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Arjun Sarkar, played by Nani, is a dedicated but complex police officer who finds himself entangled in a web of crime and morality that pushes the boundaries of his profession. The story begins with Arjun, a ruthless cop who has committed a heinous murder and is subsequently imprisoned. During his time behind bars, he is unexpectedly rescued by a fellow inmate, Ravindra Vijay, named Samuel Joseph, who helps prevent him from facing harm from other prisoners. This act of kindness leads Arjun to recount his story through a series of flashbacks, revealing the depths of his investigative journey.
Full summary
The whole story of HIT: The Third Case, scene by scene
HIT: The Third Case Box Office & Budget
HIT: The Third Case grossed $1.4 million worldwide on a $7.7 million budget, 18% of what it cost. $955,000 came from the US and Canada and $465,344 (33%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$1.4M
18% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $955K
- International
- $465.3K
- Budget
- $7.7M
HIT: The Third Case Trailers & Videos
The trailer of HIT: The Third Case.
How Well Do You Know HIT: The Third Case?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is SP Arjun Sarkaar?
HIT: The Third Case Also Known As
8 alternative titles, including “Nani 32” and “HIT 3”.
- Also known as
-
- Nani 32
- HIT 3
- HIT: The 3rd Case
- 追擊頭號重案:第三宗案
- HIT:第三個案例
- HIT: คดีที่สาม
- 谋杀干预组3
- ХИТ: Третье дело
Seen HIT: The Third Case?
HIT: The Third Case FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of HIT: The Third Case, each answered in a sentence.
How long is HIT: The Third Case?
HIT: The Third Case runs 2 hours 37 minutes (157 minutes).
When was HIT: The Third Case released?
HIT: The Third Case was released on April 30, 2025.
Who directed HIT: The Third Case?
HIT: The Third Case was directed by Sailesh Kolanu.
More films by Sailesh Kolanu Who is in the cast of HIT: The Third Case?
HIT: The Third Case stars Samuthirakani as Arjun Sarkar’s father, Nani as Arjun Sarkaar and Napoleon as Rajan Sarkar (Archive Photo), among 18 credited actors.
How much did HIT: The Third Case make at the box office?
HIT: The Third Case grossed $1.4 million worldwide ($955,000 domestic, $465,344 international) on a budget of $7.7 million.
How is HIT: The Third Case rated?
HIT: The Third Case has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 67% on TMDB and 2.9/5 on Letterboxd.
Does HIT: The Third Case have a post-credit scene?
No. HIT: The Third Case has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is HIT: The Third Case in?
The original language of HIT: The Third Case is Telugu.
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