With its dark, intense storyline and chilling investigation, HIT: The Third Case — the third installment in the HIT franchise — has captivated audiences and left many asking:
Is HIT 3 based on a true story?
The short answer is no — HIT 3 is not based on a true story, but its gripping realism and methodical storytelling may make you feel otherwise.
Let’s explore why this fictional thriller feels so real, and what goes into creating such an immersive investigative universe.
What Is HIT 3 About?
HIT: The Third Case is a Telugu-language psychological crime thriller directed by Sailesh Kolanu and features Nani in the lead role as SP Arjun Sarkaar, an intelligent but emotionally burdened officer in the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT). When a brutal and high-profile murder case shakes his jurisdiction, Arjun is assigned to the investigation.
What begins as a single act of violence soon unfolds into a layered and twisted mystery involving deceit, trauma, and moral ambiguity. As Arjun peels back the layers of the case, he must also confront parts of himself he’s tried to suppress.
About the HIT Franchise
The HIT franchise — an acronym for Homicide Intervention Team — is a cinematic universe conceptualized by Sailesh Kolanu, blending forensic science, psychological depth, and police procedural elements into standalone yet thematically linked stories.
- HIT: The First Case (2020) starred Vishwak Sen as Vikram, a police officer dealing with PTSD.
- HIT: The Second Case (2022) featured Adivi Sesh as Krishna Dev (KD), known for his unconventional but effective investigative style.
- HIT: The Third Case brings a new protagonist, SP Arjun Sarkaar (played by Nani), and expands the universe both geographically and psychologically.
Each entry shares the HIT organization as a unifying thread, but the tone, style, and storyline are distinct — often reflecting the personal traumas and ethics of the lead investigator.
Is HIT 3 Based on a Real Story?
No, HIT 3 is a fictional film.
It is not based on any specific real-life criminal case or individual. The plot, characters, and events are entirely original and scripted by the filmmakers.
However, what makes the film feel incredibly real is its attention to detail in the depiction of police procedures, criminal profiling, and the psychological depth of both the victims and perpetrators. Director Sailesh Kolanu, who has a background in optometry and a scientific temperament, brings analytical rigor to his storytelling.
This realistic approach, including:
- Crime scene reconstructions
- Behavioral analysis
- Forensic detail
- Emotional trauma of investigators makes the narrative feel like something that could be pulled from real headlines — even though it isn’t.
Does HIT 3 Take Inspiration from Real Cases?
While the story isn’t based on any particular case, like many thrillers, it may draw loose inspiration from real criminal behavior patterns or headlines that have made an impact socially.
Kolanu has previously stated that he aims to create films that explore the psychological toll of crime-solving on officers, and that involve emotionally gripping stories that reflect societal issues — such as abuse, power dynamics, media pressure, and institutional corruption.
That said, there is no confirmed real-world basis for HIT 3’s plot.
Why Viewers Think HIT 3 Might Be Real
There are several reasons audiences might think HIT 3 is based on a true story:
1. Authentic Police & Forensic Procedures
From crime scene preservation to autopsy reports and investigative techniques, the film mimics real-world processes with stunning accuracy.
2. Psychological Complexity
The antagonist in HIT 3 is not a one-dimensional villain. Their motives are rooted in trauma, social commentary, or moral conflict — a hallmark of real-life criminal psychology.
3. Newsroom & Media Integration
The story includes media scrutiny and societal reactions, further embedding it in what feels like a real-world environment.
4. Emotional Realism
Arjun Sarkaar isn’t a superhero cop. He’s flawed, vulnerable, and haunted — making his character far more believable than your average crime-thriller lead.
Themes Explored in HIT 3
- Mental Health of Law Enforcement
- Moral Relativism in Crime and Justice
- Impact of Trauma on Behavior
- Corruption and Institutional Failures
- The Line Between Justice and Revenge
These themes make the film resonate with reality, even if it’s entirely fictional
Fiction That Feels Real
HIT: The Third Case may feel like it’s based on a true story because of its realism, emotional depth, and procedural accuracy. But it is, in fact, a carefully constructed work of fiction by talented filmmakers with a vision for intelligent crime storytelling.
For fans of true crime, investigative dramas, and layered characters, HIT 3 delivers an experience that is every bit as gripping as real life — without actually being based on it.