HIT 3 Movie Review & Release Live update: Nani shines in a gritty one-man show that misses a strong villian

Just hours before its release, the ticket prices for 'HIT 3' have gone up in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as reported by Pinkvilla. Tickets at single-screen cinemas have increased by Rs 50, while multiplex tickets have seen a rise of Rs 75. This last-minute price hike has taken many fans by surprise, especially those who were planning to book tickets on the day of release.

'HIT: The Third Case', starring Nani, will be available on Netflix after its theatrical run ends. The intense crime thriller has excited fans, and now they can look forward to watching it online in multiple languages. Sharing the update, the OTT platform wrote on X: “The third case just dropped, and it’s going to HIT you hard! HIT 3: The Third Case, coming to Netflix in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada & Hindi, after its theatrical release!”

Actor Nani, while promoting his film 'HIT: The Third Case', spoke about his early fears of fame. In a chat with Bollywood Bubble, he admitted being scared it might change who he was. Nani shared that seeing others shift after becoming famous made him cautious. But with time, he learned a valuable lesson. “It’s you who’ll change. Fame doesn’t do that to you. You were just controlling it, and now you let it out... Fame will not change anything, actually. That’s what I’ve understood,” he said, reflecting on how fame reveals rather than reshapes a person.

Nani's 'HIT 3' has minted Rs. 10.37 Cr India Net on its first for across all languages as of 4.30pm according to Sacnilk.

A fan praised the white-coat bloodbath sequence in HIT 3, that Nani’s intense acting captivated the audience. Watching the scene in a packed single-screen theater, the fan described the crowd’s energetic cheering and hooting, calling it a top-tier fan service moment crafted by director Sailesh Kolanu. This scene is a stand out as one of the film’s most thrilling and memorable ones.

Fans are flocking to theaters to watch HIT 3, with many praising the film’s thrilling first half as "terrific" and highly engaging. One fan noted that while the second half felt just "okayish," Nani effortlessly carried the film with his confident and commanding presence, truly embodying a proper mass hero. Some felt a slight disconnect during Adivi Sesh’s cameo but overall found the film entertaining and worth watching.

A fan praised 'HIT 3' as one of the best violent movies, highlighting Nani’s career-defining performance as SP Arjun Sarkaar. They also appreciated director Sailesh Kolanu’s versatile direction, which skillfully balanced intense action and gripping storytelling. The fan congratulated the team on the film’s success, reflecting the strong impact 'HIT 3' has made among audiences and critics alike since its release on May 1, 2025.

A fan praised 'HIT 3' for Nani’s reinvention as a full-fledged action star, highlighting his commanding presence and performance. While the cameos were described as passable, the rest of the cast felt routine. The film concludes with an exciting reveal of the fourth case, introducing a bilingual hero, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in the 'HIT' franchise.

Even with mediocre reviews pouring in, the audiences are hailing the climax of the film. One Twitter user noted, "Blockbuster movie 3/5 Climax top notch ???? @NameisNani just superb @AdiviSesh cameo is good ???? #Hit4 soon- Bilingual ."

Twitter users are sharing mixed reviews for the Nani starrer. One review read, "Strictly an average film. #Nani did a great job and really carried the film with his performance. However, I felt that the surprise moments and the seat-gripping excitement from the previous HIT films were missing this time."

One Twitter review for the Nani starrer read, "Hit 3 is Good But No one can replace HIT 1 ???????? #HIT3."

Vijay Deverakonda's fan page extended best wishes to Suriya for 'Retro' and Nani for 'HIT 3'. The message hoped both films would succeed at the box office and fully entertain audiences. 'Retro', starring Suriya and Pooja Hegde, is a romantic action film directed by Karthik Subbaraj. 'HIT 3' stars Nani in a crime thriller.

A fan on social media shared that those who missed Superstar Rajinikanth in his prime to watch Nani on the big screen, that there is striking similarities between the two actors. Nani’s intense and commanding performance in HIT: The Third Case has drawn comparisons to Rajinikanth’s iconic style, praising Nani for bringing a powerful and gripping presence to his role. This comparison reflects the growing admiration for Nani’s evolution as a leading action star in Telugu cinema.

A fan on X (formerly Twitter) praises Nani's performance as he breaks boundaries, delivering a redefined, powerful, and gripping portrayal unlike any seen before. The second half sets up HIT 4 with a surprise cameo. While some find the storyline predictable, many laud Nani's intensity and the film's stylized action

A fan who just watched 'HIT 3' calls it a fantastic suspense thriller that’s a must-watch for all Nani fans. Packed with intense moments and thrilling twists, the movie stands out as this summer's blockbuster. Nani's compelling performance and the film's engaging storyline make it a memorable cinematic experience.

The maker shared that the distribution for 'HIT: The Third Case' is well underway in the USA, with content delivered to over 450 locations as of yesterday. The remaining theaters are receiving the film today, ensuring a widespread release. Key Delivery Messages (KDMs) have been issued in advance, ensuring smooth screenings and a seamless cinematic experience for audiences across the country.

A reviewer shares that after a decent first half and a power-packed, bloodbath-filled second half that steals the show. Nani's swag and performance dominate, supported by a gripping screenplay and excellent BGM. Unlike previous parts, this installment focuses heavily on intense action, featuring multiple star cameos and theatrical visuals, making it a neat, action-packed thriller experience.

A reviewer on X expressed mixed feelings about 'HIT 3', noting the last 45 minutes as "pure madness" and appreciating the strong performances by Nani and composer Mickey J Meyer. They mentioned the post-interval took time to set the story but highlighted Nani’s evident love for cinema. The reviewer ended with gratitude and excitement for the upcoming 'HIT 4'.

Nani starrer 'HIT: The Third Case' as per 123Telugu report has crossed the $800,000 milestone through its North American premieres, an exceptional achievement for an ‘A’ (adult) certified Telugu film. The strong advance bookings and enthusiastic response from the Telugu diaspora gained on the film’s momentum. The film seems to have a robust box office run, marking 'HIT 3' as one of Nani's biggest overseas successes to date.

A fan on X rated 'HIT 3' 4/5, praising Nani’s intense performance in the pre-climax and climax portions. They appreciated the engaging screenplay from the start to the interval, noting there were no boring moments. The film’s violent-packed action scenes and effective background music enhanced the experience, making it a thrilling watch for action lovers and fans of Nani’s gritty cop avatar.

A fan on X expressed disappointment with Nani’s recent film choices, stating, "Nani is out of track. His script selection is getting bad day by day. His efforts are diluted in weak scripts. Trying to look macho is not his cup of tea. It's not even tea." The reviewer rated HIT 3 2/5, reflecting concerns about the actor’s current trajectory despite his dedication.

In 'HIT: The Third Case', Nani’s character Arjun Sarkaar transforms into a ruthless cop, delivering a chilling and intense performance that stands out as a mass-loaded moment in the film. Originally planned as a cameo, Arjun Sarkaar evolved into the lead role, showcasing Nani’s fierce and uncompromising avatar as he hunts down criminals with relentless determination and raw brutality.

On X (formerly Twitter), a reviewer shared, 'HIT: The Third Case' earns a 3/5 rating, with Nani acing his role as Arjun Sarkaar, bringing swag, style, and aura to the screen. The film’s premise pits police against serial killers in a justified, bloody violent narrative. Visually the grandest in the franchise, with good music by Mickey J Meyer and a thrilling 30-minute climax. However, the cliched narration, long runtime, and lack of a strong villain hold it back. Srinidhi Shetty’s romantic track adds a subtle balance to the intense action, making it a watchable adult thriller for action lovers and Nani fans.

The first half of 'HIT: The Third Case' has been described as decent and fairly engaging, with Nani carrying the film strongly on his shoulders. The screenplay keeps a steady pace without many twists or dull moments, blending investigative elements with violent action scenes. The romantic track adds some relief, though some viewers find it slows the narrative. Overall, the first half sets up the story well.

The first fan shows of HIT: The Third Case have started in Kerala, organized by the All Kerala Natural Star Nani Fans & Welfare Association, active since 2020. The Kerala fan page expressed gratitude to @DQsWayfarerFilm for making these special screenings possible, celebrating Nani’s powerful role as Arjun Sarkaar and the film’s release across the state on May 1, 2025.

A fan on X shared their excitement after watching 'HIT: The Third Case', rating it 4 stars and praising Nani’s powerful performance as Arjun Sarkaar. They highlighted the last 45 minutes as "full #Marco mode by #Nani," referring to the film’s intense action. The fan also revealed there are two surprises in the ending, including an announcement teasing the upcoming fourth installment in the 'HIT' franchise.

'HIT 3: The Third Case' kicks off impressively with director Sailesh Kolanu delivering a sharp, contemporary crime thriller featuring a unique narrative style. Nani stands out as Arjun Sarkaar, offering one of his most impactful performances to date. The film’s bold, straightforward dialogues and minimalistic approach resonate strongly with audiences, setting a solid foundation before the more intense second half unfolds.