"HIT: The 3rd Case Will Be a Great Theatrical Experience with Enjoyable Violence, A Sure Blockbuster for Its Target Audience": Natural Star Nani
Natural Star Nani is all set for the release of his highly anticipated crime action thriller, HIT: The 3rd Case, also known as HIT 3. The film stars Srinidhi Shetty as the female lead and is directed by Dr. Sailesh Kolanu. It is produced by Prashanti Tipirneni under Wall Poster Cinema and Nani's Unanimous Productions banners. Even before its release on May 1st as a pan-India film, HIT: The 3rd Case has created a sensation nationwide with its teaser, trailer, and songs. In a recent press meet, Natural Star Nani shared insights about the movie.
You've traveled across the country for HIT 3 promotions. What has been the response?
The response has been fantastic. We traveled all over the country for shooting and promotions, and the audience has given us a very good reception. They seem determined to watch the film. Receiving such a positive vibe even before the release is very gratifying.
The teaser and trailer of HIT 3 show a lot of violence. What kind of film is this?
The first two films in the HIT franchise were investigation thrillers. For HIT 3, the action and violence came as a demand of the story. This isn't a regular movie. It's very relatable and stylish. Due to some organically fitting elements, there will be many whistle-worthy moments while watching the film. This movie wasn't made for the sake of violence; the violence is organic to the story. You'll understand that when you watch it.
Your films usually have a large family audience. Will the violence in this film have any effect on that?
The advance bookings are phenomenal. This is a different genre film. If it appeals to its target audience, it will definitely be a blockbuster. And I'm sure this film will definitely appeal to its target audience.
You started with a boy-next-door image, then became a Natural Star, and now you're doing very violent films. How do you see this transformation?
I don't see it as a transformation. I try to do every film in a new genre. Hi Nanna, Jersey, Dasara, and now HIT 3 are all films done in different genres. The violence in HIT 3 is as per the demand of the subject. The violence on screen won't be disturbing; it will be enjoyable. You enjoyed the action in Salaar; the action in this film will be similar. However, the intensity of the case will be higher. The violence will be like what you see in a commercial film.
What about DOP Shan Varughese?
Shan Garu is an amazing cinematographer. He tries to tell a story with his visuals. There's a good intention behind every frame he sets. He sets up a shot with clarity on what emotion it should evoke in the audience. His visuals enhance the emotion. He has given very impactful camera work for this film.
What was the reason for choosing Mickey J Meyer for the music?
Mickey is a good craftsman and has done many good feel-good movies so far. He has never done a thriller before. If he were to do a thriller, that sound would be very new. With that intention, we brought him on board. His background score will give the audience a new experience.
We heard that some parts of this film were shot in Pahalgam.
We shot in different locations in Pahalgam for 18 days. The recent incident there saddened us. Also, while we were shooting this film, we lost a person working in the DOP department due to illness. That incident also saddened us a lot.
What about the heroine, Srinidhi Shetty?
Every character in this film has a purpose. Srinidhi has performed wonderfully. I shouldn't reveal too much about her character right now. She has been very supportive and actively participated in the promotions as if it were her own film. She has a very good craze among the audience. She has been a big plus for this film.
Isn't it difficult to do such raw and intense characters and then come out of that character?
If there's excitement, it doesn't feel difficult. I enjoy my work a lot, so it doesn't feel difficult to me.
What is the reason for you doing HIT 3 yourself?
That's the demand of the subject. Why did I do this film? I think you will know the reason why I did this film when you watch it.
How does it feel to have Rajamouli as the chief guest for the films in the HIT franchise?
Rajamouli Garu is like a family member to me. Despite being so busy, he came to the event because he didn't want to miss it, and that gave us great joy. He has been the chief guest for all three films. Now, I'm starting to get tense about what will happen if he doesn't come as the chief guest for the next film (laughs).
The advance bookings for HIT 3 are like wildfire. What kind of openings and numbers are you expecting?
I'm a bit weak in the numbers game. However, we often hear that audiences are not coming to theaters these days. But seeing the advance bookings for HIT 3 makes me very happy. In my opinion, if we provide exciting content, the audience will definitely come to the theaters.
What kind of emotion will be there in HIT 3?
There's a very good emotional high in this film. It's an emotion related to a promise. It holds very beautifully. You have to watch it on the big screen.
Several other films are also releasing alongside HIT 3. How do you see this competition?
Only if all films do well will our film do even better. Everyone in the film industry should want all films to do wonderfully. If all films work, everyone's business will go up. Overall, the industry will be amazing.
Audiences have developed a belief that a film coming from you will definitely be a hit. How do you feel about earning that trust?
The trust in the audience has grown because I do my work honestly. I don't separate myself from the audience. I continue to make films with the belief that I am one among the audience.
What is the difference between the first two films in HIT and this one?
There is a clear difference between the previous two films and this one. We have already conveyed that in the trailer and teaser. This film has a different world. It's a film that gives a good theatrical experience, which is why I think the advance bookings are at this level.
What about director Sailesh Kolanu?
Sailesh is making such intense action films, but he is a person with a great sense of humor. Jokes burst out in his conversations. I often tell him to write a good comedy script. If he writes comedy, it will be fantastic.
Will the violence in Paradise be more than in HIT 3?
Both of these are unique films in their own way. Paradise will be on an epic scale. HIT 3 is an investigation thriller.
As a fan of Chiranjeevi Garu, how does it feel to produce a film with him?
I still can't digest it (laughs). It's a proud moment.
