Nani's latest film, HIT: The Third Case, has made waves at the box office, crossing the ₹100 crore mark worldwide within just four days of its release. The film, which hit theaters on May 1, 2025, has generated significant buzz, showcasing the star's growing popularity and the film's gripping storyline.
Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, HIT: The Third Case stars Nani alongside Srinidhi Shetty and has been well-received by audiences and critics alike. The film tells the story of SP Arjun Sarkaar, who finds himself embroiled in a dark web of crime as he investigates a series of murders linked to a sinister cult. The portrayal of intense crime storytelling, combined with Nani's compelling performance, has resonated with viewers, contributing to the film's success.
In its opening weekend, the film collected ₹21 crore on its first day, but saw a gradual decline in earnings over the following days, with collections of ₹10.5 crore on Friday, ₹10.4 crore on Saturday, and ₹9.50 crore on Sunday, bringing the total domestic collection to approximately ₹51.40 crore by the end of the weekend. Despite the slight dip in earnings, it was still a strong showing for the film, which has been hailed as a significant addition to the HIT franchise.
As per reports from Sacnilk, the film has grossed a staggering ₹101 crore worldwide, marking it as a major success for its producers, Nani and Prashanti Tipirneni. The film's strong performance in key territories such as Nizam and Uttarandhra, as well as its impressive overseas collections, have solidified its status as a box office hit.
Notably, HIT: The Third Case has also entered the $2 million club at the North American box office, making it Nani's third consecutive film to achieve this milestone. With a breakeven target set at $2.3 million, the film is on track to surpass this goal, thanks to a successful promotional tour by Nani and Shetty across major US cities.
The film's narrative centers around Arjun Sarkaar, who is imprisoned for a mysterious crime. As he recounts his journey to a fellow inmate, he investigates a series of murders targeting pedophiles to infiltrate a dangerous dark web cult known as CTK. As he gains their trust, Arjun uncovers a horrifying conspiracy involving organ trafficking and psychological torture. With the help of his team and undercover officer Mridula, Arjun sets out to dismantle the organization from within.
Despite facing competition from other films released on the same day, such as Suriya's Retro and Ajay Devgn's Raid 2, which grossed over ₹70 crore, HIT: The Third Case has managed to carve out a significant audience. The film's 'A' rating due to its intense action and dark themes may have impacted its box office numbers, but it has not deterred fans from flocking to theaters.
The film's production under Nani's banner, Wall Poster Cinema, marks a significant step in his career as he also takes on the role of producer. Nani expressed his excitement about working behind the camera, 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."
As the film continues to perform well, it has been officially announced that a fourth installment, HIT 4, is already in the works, with Karthi set to take on the lead role. This announcement has generated further excitement among fans of the franchise, eager to see how the story unfolds.
In summary, HIT: The Third Case has not only achieved remarkable financial success but has also reinforced Nani's position as a leading figure in the Telugu film industry. With its gripping storyline, strong performances, and successful box office performance, the film is set to be a memorable entry in the HIT franchise.
