Gayatri S
Telugu superstar Nani has once again proved his box office prowess with his latest action thriller, HIT: The Third Case. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, the film opened to a staggering ₹18 crore on its first day, making it Nani’s second biggest opening after his 2023 blockbuster Dasara, which had collected ₹23.2 crore on its debut.
With strong audience reception and high occupancy rates, HIT 3 is expected to continue its successful run at the box office. Let’s dive into the details of its box office collection, audience response, and future projections.
HIT: The Third Case – A Strong Opening
HIT: The Third Case was released in theaters on May 1, 2025, and immediately made waves in the Telugu film industry. According to trade reports, the film collected ₹18 crore net in India, with Telugu occupancy reaching an impressive 87.82%. Afternoon shows saw 92.37% occupancy, indicating strong audience interest.
The film’s box office performance across different languages was as follows:
Despite competition from Suriya‘s Retro, HIT 3 managed to hold its ground, proving Nani’s growing dominance in the industry.
Comparing HIT 3 with Nani’s Previous Films
Nani has consistently delivered box office hits, and HIT: The Third Case is no exception. Here’s how it compares to his previous films:
| Film | Opening Day Collection |
|---|---|
| Dasara (2023) | ₹23.2 crore |
| HIT: The Third Case (2025) | ₹18 crore |
| Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (2024) | ₹9 crore |
| Ante Sundaraniki (2022) | ₹6.25 crore |
| Hi Nanna (2023) | ₹4.9 crore |
With HIT 3 securing the second biggest opening of Nani’s career, it further cements his status as a box office powerhouse.
Audience and Critical Reception
The film has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Nani‘s portrayal of SP Arjun Sarkaar, a determined cop investigating a series of gruesome murders, has been widely praised.
Critics have highlighted:
- Nani’s intense performance
- Engaging storyline with gripping suspense
- High-octane action sequences
- Strong supporting cast, including Srinidhi Shetty and Prateik Smita Patil
Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with many calling HIT 3 a “box office mayhem”, a phrase Nani himself used in his Instagram post celebrating the film’s success.
Future Box Office Predictions
Given its strong opening, HIT: The Third Case is expected to maintain momentum over the weekend. If positive word-of-mouth continues, the film could cross the ₹50 crore mark within the first week.
Factors contributing to its success:
- High audience engagement
- Strong Telugu market performance
- Holiday weekend boost
- Nani’s growing fan base
With the HIT franchise expanding, fans are already speculating about HIT: The Fourth Case, which was teased in the film’s ending credits.
Conclusion
HIT: The Third Case has stormed into cinemas with an impressive ₹18 crore opening, proving once again that Nani is a force to be reckoned with at the box office. As his second biggest opener, following the massive success of Dasara, the film has further strengthened his foothold in the Telugu film industry.
With high occupancy rates, positive word-of-mouth, and strong audience engagement, HIT 3 is on track to maintain momentum in the coming weeks, potentially crossing the ₹50 crore mark within its first week. Fans have lauded Nani‘s intense performance, the gripping narrative, and the edge-of-the-seat suspense, making this film a must-watch thriller.
The success of HIT 3 has also sparked excitement about the future of the HIT franchise, with speculation rising about a potential sequel, HIT: The Fourth Case. As audiences continue to flock to theaters, it is clear that HIT 3 has struck a chord with thriller lovers, setting the stage for a strong theatrical run and reinforcing Nani‘s growing popularity among diverse audiences.
With its powerful storyline, stellar performances, and box office dominance, HIT: The Third Case is undoubtedly one of the biggest cinematic triumphs of 2025. This film has proven that well-crafted thrillers have an undeniable pull at the box office, making it a major milestone in Nani‘s illustrious career.
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