'HIT 3' gross collection: Nani’s thriller crosses ₹50 crore-mark in the opening weekend

Nani’s latest Telugu thriller, HIT: The Third Case, directed by Sailesh Kolanu, has emerged as a commercial success, crossing ₹50 crore in India within four days of release. The film, released on May 1, 2025, marks the third instalment in the HIT franchise and has received praise for its gripping narrative and Nani’s intense performance.

As reported by industry tracker Sacnilk, the film opened to an impressive ₹21 crore on Day 1, fueled by strong advance bookings and positive word-of-mouth. Though there was a dip over the weekend—₹10.5 crore on Friday, ₹10.4 crore on Saturday, and ₹9.41 crore on Sunday—the domestic net total stands at ₹51.7 crore at the moment. Worldwide, the film has grossed ₹68.4 crore, with ₹19 crore coming from overseas markets, evidence of its global appeal.

Nani’s portrayal of the brooding, sharp-witted investigator Krishna Dev (KD) has been widely appreciated, with critics calling it one of his most mature and layered performances. His ability to balance emotional depth with action sequences added weight to the film’s tense storyline, keeping audiences hooked.

Despite facing tough competition from Suriya’s Retro, HIT 3 carved out its own space at the box office. According to Sacnilk reports, Retro collected ₹43 crore domestically during the same timeframe, but HIT 3 maintained a noticeable lead, particularly in Telugu-speaking regions. This head-to-head clash generated buzz and heightened interest, ultimately benefiting both films.

Contributing to its success were its tight screenplay, sharp editing, and surprising cameos that glued cinemagoers to their seats. The film also saw a strong response on multiplex screens, especially in urban centres like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

With a solid opening and steady hold, HIT: The Third Case is expected to continue its victory run at the box office. For Nani, the film reaffirms his standing as one of Telugu cinema’s truest stars.