The third instalment of the HIT franchise, HIT 3, takes a different path from the previous films. Moving away from the traditional "whodunit" investigative format, the film focuses on high-energy action, crime thriller elements, and cinematic flair. The story revolves around the hero's daring adventures and his fight against a criminal network. However, due to the lack of investigative depth, the film steps into a stylized narrative, which tries to excite the mass audience.
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Nani's sparkling performance and character dynamics
Nani is the soul of HIT 3. His precise and intense acting drives the film throughout. His bold and witty dialogues in the first half appeal to the youth and the mass audience alike. The father-son relationship with Samuthirakani gives the film some heartwarming moments. However, Srinidhi Shetty's character is limited, and romance and family ties remain superficial in the story. The villain's character development, contrary to high expectations, fails to make a strong impact.
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Narration and second-half appeal
The second half of HIT 3 delves into the core of the story, taking the audience into a sinister and complex world. Trying to create a Squid Game-like atmosphere, this part excites the fans with rescue scenes and unexpected character entrances. However, the narrative falls short in originality, remaining confined to a stylized thriller style inspired by Kill Bill and John Wick. The running time and the stretching of some scenes affect the pace of the film.
Technical excellence and visual beauty
The cinematography is a strong asset of HIT 3. The dense forest areas and Squid Game-inspired sets are effectively captured, providing a visual feast that befits the intense tone of the film. While Mickey J. Meyer's music is good, it doesn't linger in the mind for long. The high production values of Unamies Productions and Wall Poster Cinema support the film's grand scale.
Direction and depth of storytelling
Director Dr. Sailesh Kolanu brings a masterful touch to HIT 3. Medical references and logical depictions of violence, combined with his professional background, add depth to the story. However, the film's flow is hampered by the instability in the pacing and the unnecessary length of some scenes. The lack of innovation in the storytelling keeps the film as a stylized action thriller.
Conclusion: Thrilling but incomplete
HIT 3 is notable for its exceptional performance by Nani, visual beauty and exciting action sequences. However, the lack of originality, weak characterisation of the villain, and the long runtime limit the film's potential. While trying to appeal to a mass audience, this film offers a fairly satisfying experience for fans of the HIT franchise and action thriller lovers.