“HIT 3 is a film that delivers a great theatrical experience. The violence in it is something the audience will enjoy,” says Natural Star Nani.
Natural Star Nani is starring in the highly anticipated crime action thriller HIT: The 3rd Case. Sreeleela Shetty plays the female lead. Directed by Dr. Sailesh Kolanu, the film is produced by Prashanthi Tipirneni under the Wall Poster Cinema and Nani’s Unanimous Productions banners. With its teaser, trailer, and songs, the movie created a nationwide buzz even before release. HIT: The 3rd Case is set for a pan-India release on May 1. On this occasion, Nani spoke to the media and shared insights about the film.
You traveled across the country for HIT 3 promotions. How has the response been?
It’s been phenomenal. We traveled across India for the shoot and promotions, and the response from the audience has been very positive. People are already eager to watch the film. That kind of positive vibe before the release is very encouraging.
The teaser and trailer of HIT 3 show a lot of violence. What kind of film is it?
The HIT franchise has always been about investigative thrillers. With HIT 3, the action and violence came in as demanded by the story. This isn’t a regular commercial film. It’s relatable and stylish. There are several visually impactful moments that came together organically. The film wasn’t made just for violence—it’s part of the story. You’ll understand that once you watch it.
Your films usually attract a family audience. Do you think the violence in this film will affect that?
Advance bookings have been outstanding. This is a different genre, and if it satisfies the target audience, it will surely become a blockbuster. And I’m confident that this one will satisfy them.
You started with a ‘boy-next-door’ image and now you’re doing very intense, violent roles. How do you see this transformation?
I don’t see it as a transformation. I always try to work in different genres—Hi Nanna, Jersey, Dasara, and now HIT 3 are all different from one another.
The violence in HIT 3 is based purely on story demand. It’s not disturbing when seen on screen—it’s enjoyable. Like how people enjoyed the action in Salaar, the action here will also be engaging. But the emotional intensity of the case is higher here. It has the commercial film violence but rooted in story.
Tell us about DOP S. Manikandan (Sean Varughese).
Sean is an incredible cinematographer. He tries to tell a story visually. Every frame he sets has a strong intention behind it. He has clarity on what he wants the audience to feel. His visuals enhance the emotion and he’s delivered highly impactful camera work for this film.
Why did you choose Mickey J. Meyer for music?
Mickey is a skilled craftsman, known for feel-good films. He hasn’t done a thriller before. I felt if he composed for one, the sound would be very fresh—and it is. His background score will give the audience a whole new experience.
We heard some parts were shot in Pahalgam?
Yes, we shot for 18 days in different locations of Pahalgam. Unfortunately, a recent incident there affected us deeply. Also, while we were shooting, we lost a crew member from the DOP department due to health issues, which saddened us a lot.
Tell us about heroine Sreeleela Shetty.
Every character in this film has a purpose, and Sreeleela delivered a fantastic performance. I can’t reveal much about her character right now. She treated the film like her own and actively participated in promotions. She has a great craze among the youth and was a big plus to the film.
Is it difficult to come out of such raw and intense characters emotionally?
If the work is exciting, it never feels difficult. I enjoy my work thoroughly, so it doesn’t feel hard for me.
Why did you choose to act in HIT 3 yourself?
That’s because the subject demanded it. You’ll understand why I did it after watching the film.
How does it feel to have Rajamouli as the chief guest for all the HIT franchise films?
Rajamouli garu is like a family member to me. Despite being busy, he made time to attend, which made us very happy. He’s been the chief guest for all three films now, and we’ve started worrying what will happen if he doesn’t come for the next one! (laughs)
Advance bookings for HIT 3 are reportedly on fire. What kind of openings or numbers are you expecting?
I’m not great with number games. But recently, we’ve been hearing that audiences aren’t coming to theatres. HIT 3’s advance bookings prove that if you offer exciting content, they will show up. That’s my belief.
What kind of emotional tone can we expect in HIT 3?
The film has a very strong emotional high, centered on a promise. It’s beautifully held throughout and should be experienced on the big screen.
Many films are releasing alongside HIT 3. How do you view this competition?
Only when all movies do well, our movie also does better. Everyone involved wishes success for all films, because when the whole industry wins, business improves for everyone.
Audiences now have a belief that if a movie stars you, it’ll surely be a hit. How does that feel?
I think that trust came because I’ve been sincere with my work. I don’t separate myself from the audience—I believe I’m one of them, and I continue making films with that mindset.
How is this different from the previous two HIT films?
There’s a clear difference between this and the previous two. That’s already evident in the trailer and teaser. This film belongs to a whole different world. It’s a theatrical experience, and I believe that’s why advance bookings are on this level.
What can you say about director Sailesh Kolanu?
Sailesh may be making these intense action thrillers, but he’s a very humorous person. He constantly cracks jokes. I keep telling him he should write a comedy script—it’ll be amazing if he does.
Will there be more violence in Paradise compared to HIT 3?
Both are very different films. Paradise is on an epic scale, while HIT 3 is an investigative thriller.
As a fan of Chiranjeevi garu, how does it feel to be producing a film with him?
I still haven’t fully digested it (laughs). It’s a proud moment for me.
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