Nani is set to make a grand return to the big screen with his much-anticipated film, HIT: The Third Case, which is scheduled for release on May 1, 2025. The excitement surrounding the film is palpable, fueled not only by Nani's significant fan following but also by the success of its two prequels. Although HIT: The Third Case presents a brand-new story, it is intricately linked to the previous installments, providing a seamless transition for fans.
To prepare audiences for the upcoming release, it's essential to recap the events of the first two films in the franchise, HIT: The First Case and HIT: The Second Case.
HIT: The First Case introduces the 'Homicide Intervention Team' (HIT), focusing on Vikram Rudraraju, a brilliant officer grappling with PTSD from traumatic past experiences. Vikram embarks on a mission to find a missing girl named Preethi, enlisting the help of his colleague Abhilash. However, their investigation takes a dark turn when Vikram's girlfriend, Neha, who is a forensic officer, also goes missing, revealing a disturbing connection to Preethi's case.
The plot thickens as it is revealed that Vikram’s colleague, Rohit, and his wife, Swapna, are responsible for the deaths and kidnappings. Driven by rage after her sister dies from lack of treatment, Swapna kills Preethi, further complicating Vikram's already tumultuous journey.
Following this, HIT: The Second Case introduces KD, who becomes the new SP of the HIT team. KD investigates a series of chilling serial murders, with Abhilash returning to assist him. They uncover that a man named Rajeev is behind the murders, his actions rooted in a traumatic childhood experience where his mother falsely accused his father of rape, leading to a devastating suicide. This backstory adds depth to Rajeev's character, showcasing his deep remorse towards women.
The film concludes with the introduction of Arjun Sarkaar, who hints at new cases awaiting the HIT department, setting the stage for the upcoming installment.
As excitement builds for HIT: The Third Case, Nani has shared his thoughts on the film and his connection to Tamil Nadu. During a press event, he expressed, "Every time I visit Chennai, it feels like coming home," emphasizing his affection for the region and its fans. He is also working diligently on becoming fluent in Tamil, showcasing his dedication to his craft.
Nani describes HIT: The Third Case as a standalone experience, distinct from the earlier films in both story and style. He stated, "This is not just a movie—it’s an experience. It’s a high-quality investigative thriller that offers something fresh to the audience." His enthusiasm is echoed by actress Sreeleela Shetty, who plays the female lead. She expressed her excitement about her debut in Telugu cinema, sharing, "Working with Nani was a dream come true," highlighting her admiration for him since her college days.
Vinoth Kumar, the distributor from Cinemakaran, who is bringing the film to Tamil audiences, also voiced his excitement about the project. He expressed confidence in the film's success, crediting the cast and crew for their exceptional work.
However, HIT: The Third Case is not the only film set to hit theaters on May 1. Nani also addressed the release of Suriya's Retro, stating, "I don’t think it’s a competition, it’s a party. We are both coming to celebrate our films with all of you." He acknowledged the strong appeal of Retro for the Tamil audience, expressing his respect for Suriya and director Karthik Subaraj, while encouraging fans to enjoy both films. Nani stated, "A great weekend can have two films," reinforcing the idea that both movies can coexist and thrive.
On a more serious note, Nani addressed the recent tragedy in Kashmir, expressing his heartbreak over the events. He remarked, "What happened recently in Kashmir was extremely heartbreaking. I still have a bit of an empty feeling, even though we’re all doing what needs to be done. But we can’t compare what is real to a movie." This statement highlights his sensitivity to current events, reminding audiences of the distinction between film and reality.
As the release date approaches, Nani's involvement in HIT: The Third Case marks a significant milestone in his career, as it is not only his first foray into the crime thriller genre but also his debut as a producer. He shared his excitement about this new role, stating, "This is the first time I'm working in production, so it is definitely the next step in my career, 100 percent for sure." The film is directed by Sailesh Kolanu and features music by Mickey J Meyer, promising a high-quality cinematic experience for audiences.
With the film receiving an 'A' certificate from the Censor Board of Film Certification, Nani's HIT: The Third Case is poised to make a significant impact upon its release, appealing to audiences across multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. As the countdown to May 1 continues, fans eagerly await what promises to be an enthralling addition to the HIT franchise.
