Nani interview: ‘HIT 3’ does not glorify violence

Nani discusses director Sailesh Kolanu’s ‘HIT 3’, asserts it does not glorify violence, and says he is game to do a full-fledged comedy

Studio 5 at Annapurna Studios Annexe, Hyderabad, has been transformed into mini sets that resemble interrogation rooms. The props range from pliers, knives and saws, to handcuffs and chains. An art director generously fills a tray with fake blood that is used in films, and sprinkles some on the table for added effect. These are the designated spaces for media interactions for director Sailesh Kolanu’s Telugu film HIT 3, starring actor-producer Nani as a ruthless cop named Arjun Sarkaar.

Nani swiftly surveys the arrangements and checks if the lighting is sufficient, and says, “The teaser and trailer have given people an idea of what to expect from the film. I wanted interviews to be conducted in set-ups that reflect the film’s mood, and my team was game to execute it.” 

HIT 3 is the third film in the HIT universe, featuring Nani as a cop from Andhra Pradesh’s fictional Homicide Intervention Team. During the trailer launch, Nani had asserted that this is not a film for children. 

The promos have sparked discussions on whether the film celebrates violence. “Not at all,” says Nani. “Arjun is portrayed as a character with different shades. He knows nothing outside of work and is, in fact, vulnerable. The nature of his work, tracking down criminals, frustrates him and there are times when he crosses the line during interrogations. When he does that, we show the repercussions. We have tried to present a complete picture and not glorify his actions.”

HIT: The First Case, produced by Nani’s production house Wall Poster Cinema, was a moody whodunnit led by Vishwak Sen as a cop dealing with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). HIT: The Second Case featured Adivi Sesh as a laidback cop rising to a challenge. Both were whodunnits. HIT 3 is a ‘how’ rather than a whodunnit, with higher stakes.

Nani’s previous film, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram directed by Vivek Athreya, marked the beginning of a phase of larger-than-life action entertainers in his career. The actor describes HIT 3 as a crime thriller with action. His next, The Paradise directed by Dasara-fame Srikanth Odela, is an ambitious action drama. “However, none of these films are alike.”

For an actor who became a household name with endearing comedies, romances and emotional dramas, this is a departure. Nani looks at this phase as another learning curve. “With each of my films, the budgets are going up and I am getting the opportunity to explore stories that can be narrated on a bigger canvas. Action dramas have an edge. The cost of producing Dasara was higher than that of Hi Nanna, and a larger section of the audience looks forward to action films. With HIT 3 and The Paradise, the intention is to offer a good theatrical experience. Family dramas like Hi Nanna can be enjoyed equally in theatres and on digital platforms, but action films call for a large-screen experience.”