Among the May Day cinematic releases, Nani’s HIT 3 has emerged as a leading performer, showcasing the power of gripping storytelling and franchise loyalty. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, the third installment in the HIT series opened to a thunderous Rs 21.5 crore on May 1, setting a formidable benchmark for thrillers in 2024.
Solid Weekend Boosted by Word-of-Mouth
Despite initial mixed buzz, the crime thriller held its ground through its opening weekend. Day 2 brought in Rs 12 crore, and Day 3 followed closely with Rs 11.5 crore, indicating that strong word-of-mouth and franchise goodwill were working in the film’s favor. Nani, portraying SP Arjun Sarkaar, delivered a gritty, emotionally charged performance that has drawn praise, while Srinidhi Shetty’s role added emotional depth to the intense narrative.
Weekday Dip Expected but Not Worrying
As anticipated, weekday collections showed a decline, with Monday at Rs 4.25 crore, followed by Rs 3.75 crore on Tuesday. Day 7 (Wednesday) saw a further drop to Rs 3 crore. Still, trade analysts remain optimistic, projecting Rs 2.5 crore for Day 8 (Thursday), which would take HIT 3 to an impressive Rs 58 crore India gross in just eight days a commendable feat for a serious, A-rated thriller.
Strong Technicals and Franchise Appeal
The film’s sleek visuals and sharp editing, backed by Wall Poster Cinema, have added to its edge at the box office. While Prateik Babbar’s performance has drawn mixed reactions, the ensemble cast and tight direction have helped sustain audience interest.
Unexpected Competition from Low-Key Drama
Surprisingly, the low-profile Tamil drama Tourist Family, directed by debutant Abishan Jeevinth, has turned out to be a silent disruptor. With Rs 17.45 crore in 7 days and a strong Rs 2.2 crore on Wednesday, it is poised to overtake HIT 3’s Thursday numbers in Tamil Nadu. This surge, despite zero pre-release hype, has caught many off guard.
Also Read: HIT 3 DAY 7: Nani’s Film Keeps the Momentum Going, Box Office Numbers Impress
Retro and Raid 2 Fall Behind
Bigger releases like Suriya’s Retro and Raid 2 have underperformed after the weekend, failing to maintain traction. In contrast, HIT 3 remains steady, proving that strong content and brand trust can outweigh traditional star power in the long run.
