Writer/Director - Sailesh Kolanu
Cast – Nani, Srinidhi Shetty, Adil Pala, Rao Ramesh, Brahmaji and Maganti Srinath. 
Duration – 157 Minutes
 
If you thought Nani’s charm was limited to his boy-next-door vibe, think again — because in HIT 3, he doesn’t walk, he storms in. Gone are the days of gentle smiles and romantic banter; this time, he’s Arjun Sarkaar — a rage-fueled, rule-breaking, no-nonsense cop with a license to kill and a backstory that punches you right in the gut.
 
Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, HIT 3 is the third installment in the HIT Universe, and oh boy, it wastes no time getting down and dirty. The film opens with a murder — scratch that, a statement — committed not by the villain, but by our very own hero. Yup. We’re starting off in murky waters, and it only gets darker from here.
 
The story kicks in when Arjun notices a pattern in a series of brutal murders happening across locations. Who’s behind it? Why is the killer mimicking methods? And why does Arjun, the man leading the case, seem almost... personally invested in the madness? What follows is a slick, suspense-packed survival thriller where the cop is as dangerous as the killer, and every ally could be a threat.
 
Let’s get to the meat of it: Nani is an absolute beast. This is not just a makeover; it’s a full transformation. He growls through dialogue, slams through action scenes, and emotes with a wounded intensity that’s rare. His chemistry with Srinidhi Shetty is grounded and surprisingly sweet — a soft thread woven into a very sharp, very bloody fabric.
 
And speaking of blood — HIT 3 isn’t shy. The action is raw, the violence is brutal, and the stunt choreography doesn’t flinch. It’s almost like someone dared Kolanu to make the most violent Telugu film of the year, and he said “bet.”
 
Prateik Babbar, making his Telugu debut, plays a psycho so convincingly, you might just check your door twice tonight. Rao Ramesh does his usual brilliance, while Komalee Prasad and Brahmaji provide the occasional moments of relief — emphasis on "occasional", because this movie is not here for chill.
 
But here’s the twist (or lack thereof) — HIT 3 isn’t playing the whodunnit game too hard. It’s more about the “how far will he go” than the “who did it.” While this gives the film an edge, it also makes the first half feel a little plain. The drama’s there, but the punch comes late. The screenplay could’ve used a few more jolts before the big payoff in the climax.
 
On the tech front, Mickey J Meyer’s music is decent, but the background score could’ve used more bite, especially in the slower parts. However, full marks to the production team — the film looks slick, gritty, and atmospheric. The VFX and action sequences are superbly done, and the whole thing feels like a stylish, Telugu noir action-thriller.
 
HIT 3 is not for the faint of heart — it’s violent, intense, and emotionally heavy. But if you’re someone who loves edge-of-the-seat cop thrillers with a hero who’s one punch away from breaking bad, this is your jam. Nani is in top form, the action is relentless, and Sailesh Kolanu brings enough heat to keep the HIT Universe blazing.
 
Just leave the popcorn at home. This one’s more ‘grit your teeth’ than ‘snack and chill’.