Nani’s much-awaited action thriller HIT 3 has finally arrived in cinemas, and early audience reactions suggest the Telugu star has struck the right chord once again. The third installment in the HIT franchise, directed by Dr Sailesh Kolanu, hit the screens on Thursday, clashing with Suriya’s Retro, yet holding its own with an impressive box office response, especially in Karnataka.

Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions since the film’s release, with many viewers lauding Nani’s transformation into the intense cop, Arjun Sarkar. Unlike the previous films in the franchise which leaned heavily on investigative drama, HIT 3 is being celebrated for its pivot towards a more stylized and action-heavy narrative.

Audiences call it ‘sensational’ and ‘blockbuster’

From calling it a “blockbuster” to hailing it as “S-E-N-S-A-T-I-O-N-A-L”, fans across social platforms have declared HIT 3 a success. A section of the audience praised its visual appeal and high-energy sequences, with one post noting, “Moves away from grounded investigation to a stylized action film but delivers well. Nani is great as usual.”

Though not everyone was completely thrilled with the first half of the movie, citing some average scenes and pacing issues, the overwhelming consensus points towards Nani’s performance and the gripping background score as standout elements. One viewer remarked that despite certain unnecessary scenes, the BGM (background music) elevated the impact.

Surprise cameos and cinematic intensity

In addition to the central performance, fans were thrilled by the inclusion of two surprise cameos which reportedly led to cheers in theatres. Nani’s portrayal of Arjun Sarkar, a determined and emotionally charged police officer, has particularly resonated with audiences. The film is also being applauded for its high production value and slick cinematography, supported by Wall Poster Cinema and Unanimous Production.

Co-starring Srinidhi Shetty as the lead female character, the film delves into a multi-layered narrative exploring the pursuit of justice. With its stylized visuals and emotionally driven storyline, HIT 3 sets a new tone for the franchise and stands tall as one of Telugu cinema’s early highlights of 2025.

Suriya’s latest film Retro, helmed by Karthik Subbaraj, hit the big screens amid much anticipation and has quickly drawn positive first reactions from audiences. Despite competition from Nani’s HIT 3 and Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2, the film managed to attract large footfalls, especially among Suriya’s loyal fanbase.

As the hashtag #RetroFDFS began trending on X (formerly Twitter), early viewers have taken to the platform to share their impressions. Many have praised the first half for its engaging build-up and refreshing storytelling style. One viewer commented, “A smooth build-up with restrained energy. No major highs yet, but it stands out compared to Suriya’s recent outings.”

Viral moments and fan-favorite elements

Among the many fan-shared clips, a particular dance sequence featuring Suriya and Pooja Hegde has gone viral, showcasing the duo’s energetic chemistry. The background score by Santosh Narayanan has also received applause for complementing the film’s tone.

“Kanimaaa! What a dance! Suriya and Pooja Hegde rocked. Santosh Narayanan’s music and dance are superb,” wrote one user, reflecting the excitement online.

Pooja Hegde’s career-best performance

Pooja Hegde’s portrayal in Retro has especially resonated with audiences, with several fans calling it her most impressive work to date. “Pooja’s career-best performance – she literally gave it all for this film,” noted a viewer, adding that the visuals, interval block, and background music were standout aspects of the movie.

A romance woven into a gangster’s past

Retro tells the story of a former gangster, played by Suriya, who is striving to leave behind a violent legacy and discover a new path through love. Director Karthik Subbaraj, known for his stylized filmmaking and unexpected twists, explores a more intimate and emotional narrative this time.

“It’s not just a redemption story,” Subbaraj explained. “It’s about a man unfamiliar with peace until someone shows him it’s possible. The film’s heart lies in that inner conflict.”

Joining Suriya and Pooja Hegde in the ensemble are Joju George and Jayaram, both playing crucial roles in the film’s unfolding drama.

Naga Chaitanya’s fans are buzzing with excitement as the actor officially launched the shooting of his much-anticipated project, tentatively titled NC24, a mythical thriller helmed by Virupaksha director Karthik Varma Dandu.

On Saturday, Chaitanya unveiled a captivating behind-the-scenes video titled “The Excavation Begins,” offering a tantalizing peek into the meticulous preparation behind this ambitious film, set to explore uncharted, rugged terrains and mystical realms.

The BTS video, shared by the film’s makers, showcases Chaitanya’s deep involvement in the project. Sporting a striking new look tailored for the thriller, the actor is seen engaging in intense discussions with Dandu, absorbing the director’s vision.

A standout moment features the duo examining a detailed model of deep caves, hinting at the enigmatic, otherworldly setting NC24 will unveil. The footage also highlights the elaborate production efforts, from constructing expansive outdoor sets to fine-tuning logistical details, underscoring the film’s grand scale.

Chaitanya’s hands-on approach, evident from the project’s ideation phase, has heightened anticipation. The makers’ caption fueled the hype, stating, “Years of ideation. Months of preparation. Endless rehearsals. This is just a glimpse of the storm brewing! #NC24 The Excavation Begins. Brace for a mythical thriller like never before.” Fans flooded social media with praise, eager for a cinematic experience that promises to push boundaries.

Backed by producer BVSN Prasad and Sukumar under SVCC and Sukumar Writings, NC24 is poised as a visually stunning mystical thriller. With music by Ajaneesh Loknath, the film aims to present Chaitanya in a bold, transformative role.

The cast includes Laapataa Ladies breakout star Sparsh Shrivastava in a pivotal role, with speculation swirling around Meenakshi Chaudhary as the potential female lead.

The Indian film industry’s growing appetite for genre-blending narratives, blending folklore with high-stakes drama, positions NC24 as a potential game-changer. As production accelerates, Chaitanya’s venture into uncharted cinematic territory signals a thrilling new chapter for the actor and his fans.