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Action thriller

HIT: The Third Case (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

HIT: The Third Case (2025) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
6.9/10
worldwide gross
$1.4M
Echo Score
64
budget
$7.7M
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HIT: The Third Case (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 37m (157 min)
Director
Sailesh Kolanu
Genres
Thriller , Action , Crime
Original language
Telugu
Budget
$7.7M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in HIT: The Third Case

· 14 more
From the director

More from Sailesh Kolanu

More films directed by Sailesh Kolanu: HIT: The 2nd Case and HIT: The First Case.

Full filmography
Ratings

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).

64 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

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.

2025 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.4M

18% of its budget back

US & Canada
$955K
International
$465.3K
Budget
$7.7M
US & Canada 67% Rest of the world 33%
Videos

HIT: The Third Case Trailers & Videos

The trailer of HIT: The Third Case.

HIT: The Third Case | Hindi Trailer | Nani, Srinidhi Shetty | Netflix India
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is SP Arjun Sarkaar?

Details

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?

FAQ

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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