The Indian box office has recently witnessed a notable clash between two highly anticipated films: Nani's "HIT: The Third Case" and Suriya's "Retro," both of which premiered on May 1, 2025. As they compete for audience attention, the results from their opening weekend reveal a significant disparity in performance, with Nani's film emerging as the clear frontrunner.
"HIT: The Third Case," directed by Sailesh Kolanu, has garnered a remarkable response from audiences and critics alike. The film features Nani in the role of Arjun Sarkaar, a determined cop entangled in a dark investigation. Alongside him, Kannada actress Srinidhi Shetty plays a crucial role, adding depth to the film's narrative. The film opened with an impressive box office collection of Rs 21 crore on its first day, primarily driven by strong support from Telugu-speaking audiences.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film's earnings continued to soar, with Rs 10.5 crore on Day 2 and an estimated Rs 10.25 crore on Day 3, bringing its total to Rs 41.75 crore within just three days of release. This strong performance has raised expectations for the film to cross the Rs 100 crore mark by the end of its opening weekend.
In contrast, Suriya's "Retro," which also features Pooja Hegde and is directed by Karthik Subbaraj, opened with a respectable Rs 19 crore on its first day. However, its subsequent earnings were less impressive, with the film collecting Rs 7.75 crore on both Day 2 and Day 3, resulting in a total of Rs 34.75 crore. Despite Suriya's star power and critical acclaim for his performance, the film's box office performance has not met expectations, particularly when juxtaposed with Nani's success.
The difference in performance can be attributed to various factors, including the number of screenings and audience reception. "HIT: The Third Case" was released in multiple languages—Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam—while "Retro" was limited to Tamil and Telugu releases. This broader reach has undoubtedly contributed to Nani's film's superior earnings.
On social media, Ram Charan expressed his admiration for Nani's work, praising him for consistently selecting unique scripts and delivering successful films across genres. In a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, "Hearing fantastic reviews about #HIT3. Special mention to my dear brother @NameisNani for choosing unique scripts and scoring blockbusters across genres. Hats off to @KolanuSailesh for scripting and executing this intense film. Congratulations @SrinidhiShetty7 and the teams at @walpostercinema, @UnanimousProds for the superb success." This endorsement from a fellow industry star has further bolstered the positive buzz surrounding the film.
As "HIT: The Third Case" continues to dominate the box office, it has also received praise for its gripping storyline and intense execution. The film's success is not just a win for Nani but also for director Sailesh Kolanu, who has successfully expanded the HIT franchise, which began with "HIT: The First Case" in 2020 and continued with "HIT: The Second Case" in 2022.
Looking ahead, Nani is set to reunite with director Srikanth Odela for his next project, titled "The Paradise," scheduled for release on March 26, 2026. This upcoming film promises to focus on marginalized communities, showcasing Nani's commitment to diverse storytelling.
In summary, the box office battle between "HIT: The Third Case" and "Retro" has highlighted the shifting dynamics in the Indian film industry, where audience preferences and effective marketing strategies play pivotal roles in determining a film's success. As Nani's film continues to attract viewers and earn accolades, it sets a high bar for upcoming releases in the competitive landscape of Indian cinema.
With the ongoing success of "HIT: The Third Case," Nani has solidified his status as one of the leading figures in the industry, while Suriya's "Retro" may need to reassess its strategy to capture a wider audience and enhance its box office performance.
