Natural Star Nani is once again capturing the hearts of audiences with his latest film, HIT: The Third Case, which has quickly become a box office sensation. Released on May 1, 2025, the film has already amassed an impressive ₹58.55 crore in its first six days, making it Nani's third-highest-grossing film to date. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, this gripping crime thriller continues the successful HIT Universe, which began with HIT: The First Case in 2020 and HIT: The Second Case in 2022.
In HIT: The Third Case, Nani plays the role of SP Arjun Sarkaar, a seasoned officer from the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT) tasked with solving a series of gruesome murders in Visakhapatnam. The film also stars Srinidhi Shetty as the female lead, alongside a talented ensemble cast that includes Rao Ramesh, Samuthirakani, and Prateik Babbar. Critics have lauded the film for its intense narrative, sharp performances, and slick direction, particularly praising Nani's commanding performance as a highlight.
Box office reports indicate that HIT: The Third Case opened with strong numbers, earning ₹21 crore on its first day alone. The film's earnings continued to impress, with collections of ₹12 crore on the second day, ₹11.5 crore on the third, and ₹11.25 crore on the first Sunday. However, the film experienced a drop in earnings during the weekdays, with ₹4.25 crore on Monday and ₹3.75 crore on Tuesday. As of May 7, early trends suggest additional earnings of around ₹3.25 crore for Wednesday, bringing the total to approximately ₹67.5 crore within its first week.
Despite the decline in weekday collections, HIT: The Third Case has outperformed Nani's previous hit, Hi Nanna, which earned ₹49.22 crore during its entire theatrical run. This rapid success has trade analysts optimistic that HIT: The Third Case will soon surpass the lifetime collection of Nani's second-biggest hit, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, which amassed ₹62.2 crore worldwide. However, whether it can dethrone Nani's career-best Dasara, which raked in ₹81.93 crore, remains uncertain.
The film's strong performance is not limited to domestic markets; it has also made a significant impact overseas, crossing the $2 million mark in North America and contributing to a global collection that has already surpassed ₹100 crore. The film's appeal has been bolstered by Nani's popularity and the established success of the HIT franchise, which has resonated well with audiences across demographics.
Fans eager to see HIT: The Third Case can look forward to its digital release on Netflix, scheduled for mid-June 2025. The streaming rights were acquired for ₹54 crore, marking one of the most lucrative OTT deals for a Telugu film this year. The film will be available in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada, broadening its reach across India and beyond.
The film's success is particularly noteworthy in a contemporary cinematic landscape where many films struggle to find footing. HIT: The Third Case achieved break-even status across all territories within just six days of its release, a commendable accomplishment in today's challenging market. Nani's consistent box office appeal and ability to deliver crowd-pleasing content continue to solidify his status as one of Telugu cinema's most bankable stars.
As the film heads into its second week, trade experts anticipate a resurgence in collections due to the upcoming summer holidays, which could further boost its box office performance. The film's gripping narrative and strong word-of-mouth have fueled hopes that it will maintain its momentum and possibly overtake Saripodhaa Sanivaaram to secure the second spot among Nani's highest-grossing films.
Overall, HIT: The Third Case stands as a testament to Nani's enduring appeal and the HIT franchise's success, reaffirming that strong storytelling and performances can resonate with audiences even in a crowded market. As the film continues its run, all eyes will be on its box office performance and how it stacks up against Nani's previous hits. Stay tuned for further updates on HIT: The Third Case and its ongoing success story.
