Franchise films are dominating the box office across industries. Whether it’s Bollywood’s Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 & 3, Drishyam 2, or Tollywood’s Tillu Square and Pushpa 2, sequels are leveraging the success of their predecessors. The advantage? A built-in fan base that ensures a strong start at the box office.
However, HIT 3, the latest installment in Nani’s crime thriller franchise, surprisingly lacks buzz. The HIT series has been well-received, with Vishwak Sen leading the first film and Adivi Sesh taking over in the second. Now, for HIT 3, Nani himself is stepping into the lead role. With the film nearing completion and a May 2025 release planned, why does it seem to be flying under the radar?
One possible reason is director Sailesh Kolanu’s last film, Saindhav, which was a box office failure. Another could be Nani’s recent track record—his films generate pre-release hype but often underwhelm the general audience. Viewers may be skeptical about falling for the same marketing tricks.
Nani’s strongest appeal comes from his relatable roles, but HIT 3 has him in a mass avatar, which may not resonate as well. Additionally, some franchises lose momentum if they fail to retain the surprise factor. While HIT 1 and HIT 2 were appreciated, they didn’t leave a lasting cultural impact.
Another factor is the rise of high-quality crime thrillers on OTT platforms like Paatal Lok, which has raised audience expectations. Unless HIT 3 delivers something exceptional, watching a crime thriller in theaters might not feel compelling.
To generate buzz, the makers are bringing back HIT 2 lead Adivi Sesh in HIT 3. Whether this move will reignite interest in the franchise remains to be seen.
