Hit: The Third Case - A Gripping Psychological Thriller

Release Year: 2024 | Director: Sailesh Kolanu | Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery
Starring: Rajkumram Rao, Sanya Malhotra, Zeishan Quadri
My Take on Hit: The Third Case
Okay, so I finally got around to watching Hit: The Third Case last night, and man, I've got some thoughts. Let me just say right off the bat - if you're into psychological thrillers that keep you guessing till the very end, this one's definitely worth your time.
I've been following the Hit series since the first one came out, and I gotta admit, they've really upped their game with this third installment. The director, Sailesh Kolanu, seems to have found his footing with this franchise, and it shows in the way he handles the narrative.
Rajkummar Rao as Inspector Vikram is just... wow. The guy can do no wrong in my book. He brings this intensity to the role that just pulls you in from the first scene. And Sanya Malhotra? She's fantastic as always, playing this complex character with so many layers.
The movie starts with this missing person case - a young woman named Preethi who vanishes without a trace. What seems like a straightforward investigation quickly spirals into this web of deceit, hidden motives, and dark secrets. The way the story unfolds keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.
What Worked For Me
The pacing is pretty solid for most of the movie. It doesn't drag like some thrillers tend to do. There's this constant sense of urgency that keeps the narrative moving forward. The cinematography is another highlight - some really beautiful shots that add to the overall mood of the film.
I also appreciated how the film doesn't rely on cheap jump scares or over-the-top violence to create tension. It's more psychological, messing with your head in the best way possible. The twists are well-placed and mostly make sense, which isn't always the case with thrillers these days.
Some Minor Issues
Now, it's not perfect - no movie is, right? There were a couple of plot points that felt a bit convenient, like they needed to move the story along so they inserted these coincidences. Also, the second act drags a tiny bit around the middle, but it picks up quickly enough.
Some of the supporting characters could've been developed better too. Like, there's this colleague of Vikram's who shows up a few times but doesn't really add much to the story. Felt like a missed opportunity there.
Performance Breakdown
Let's talk about the acting, because honestly, that's one of the strongest aspects of this film.
Rajkummar Rao as Vikram
What can I say about Rajkummar that hasn't been said already? The man is a chameleon. He disappears into this role completely. You can see the frustration, the determination, the emotional turmoil all playing out on his face without him having to say a word. There's this one scene where he's interrogating a suspect - man, the intensity in that scene gave me chills.
Sanya Malhotra as Dr. Sanika
Sanya is just brilliant. She brings this quiet strength to her character that's so compelling to watch. There's depth to her performance that adds layers to the character that might not even be there in the script. The chemistry between her and Rajkummar is electric too - not in a romantic way, but this intellectual tension that's just fascinating to watch.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast does a solid job overall. Zeishan Quadri as Vikram's partner brings some much-needed moments of levity to break the tension. The actors playing the various suspects all deliver convincing performances that keep you guessing about who's actually involved.
Technical Aspects
From a technical standpoint, Hit: The Third Case is pretty impressive, especially considering it's not some big-budget blockbuster.
Cinematography
The way this movie is shot is just... chef's kiss. There's this moody, atmospheric quality to the visuals that perfectly complements the tense narrative. The use of shadows and lighting is particularly effective in creating this sense of unease throughout.
There's this sequence about halfway through the movie where Vikram is chasing a lead through these narrow alleyways at night - the way it's shot, with the rain and the flickering lights, it's just visually stunning and adds so much to the tension of the scene.
Editing
The editing is tight for the most part. The pacing keeps the story moving along without feeling rushed. There are these clever transitions between scenes that help maintain the flow of the narrative.
My only minor complaint is that there are a few jumps in time that felt a bit abrupt, like I had to pause for a second to figure out how much time had passed. But it's a small issue in an otherwise well-edited film.
Sound Design
The sound design deserves a special mention. The way sounds are used to build tension is really effective. There's this subtle background score that creeps in during tense moments, never overpowering the scene but adding to the overall atmosphere.
The lack of music in certain scenes works really well too - just the ambient sounds that make everything feel more real and immediate.
Spoiler Section (Don't read if you haven't seen the movie!)
Okay, so if you're still reading, I'm assuming you've seen the movie or don't care about spoilers. You've been warned!
That twist with Dr. Sanika actually being involved in the disappearance? Did NOT see that coming! The way they set it up throughout the movie is so clever. All those little moments where she seems just a bit too interested in the case, a bit too knowledgeable about certain aspects.
And the reveal that Preethi was actually her half-sister? That adds this whole layer of emotional complexity to her actions. It's not just some random crime - there's this personal history that makes her actions somewhat understandable, even if they're not justified.
The way Vikram pieces everything together in that final confrontation is so satisfying. The scene where he's going through all the evidence again and finally connects Sanika to the case is brilliantly executed.
And that ending! Where Vikram has to make the choice between turning Sanika in or letting her go? Man, that was heavy. The moral ambiguity of that decision stays with you long after the movie ends.
What did you think about the twist? Was it telegraphed too much or did it catch you by surprise? Hit me up on social media - would love to discuss!
Official Trailer
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