In an era where cinematic universes are redefining storytelling dynamics worldwide, Tollywood is quietly building its own legacy through one such ambitious endeavor — the HIT franchise. The brainchild of director Sailesh Kolanu, the mastermind behind this ever-expanding thriller series, recently revealed his long-term vision for the franchise, sending fans and film enthusiasts abuzz with anticipation.
In a shocking revelation, Sailesh Kolanu revealed, “Originally, the plan was that the HIT franchise would consist of 7 parts — 6 individual stories, and the last one where all of them converge.” With this news, Kolanu not only set the stage for a full-fledged Telugu cinematic universe but also for one of Indian cinema’s most groundbreaking storytelling formats in the thriller genre.
Constructing a Universe: From One Case to Many
The HIT series — an abbreviation for Homicide Intervention Team — began with the opening of HIT: The First Case in 2020, starring Vishwak Sen in the protagonist. The movie was a sleeper success and defined Kolanu’s knack for psychological complexity and investigative narrative. The plot was about an obsession-ridden cop cracking a case of a missing person, but what set it apart was its raw tone and focus on procedural matters.
Based on the success of the first part, the director proceeded with HIT: The Second Case in 2022, with Adivi Sesh this time. The movie extended the universe, introduced a new lead, and adopted a darker, more intricate plot. It was not merely a sequel — it was an assurance that the HIT Universe was a serious creative process with every film introducing a new city, a new cop, and a new case, with subtle connections back to the greater whole.
In 2025, HIT: The Third Case, featuring Nani, pushed the franchise further. With strong box office figures and larger story arcs, it became a career-best opening for Nani and kept the franchise’s success streak going. The film also cemented the distinctive format that Kolanu was developing — individual crime thrillers that quietly intersect through the agency of the HIT unit, all coalescing to a final intersection.
The Blueprint: Six Independent Tales, One Finale Convergence
As told by Kolanu, the framework of the HIT universe was never a happenstance. Even in its infancy, the director had a seven-part thriller saga vision. In each of the first six pictures, there’s a new lead detective, an independent crime mystery, and an independent location. The approach creates narrative newness and also keeps the tension piling up towards the big finish.
The seventh and last installment will allegedly gather all the lead characters — portrayed by actors such as Vishwak Sen, Adivi Sesh, Nani, and possibly others — into a single climactic thriller that resolves all loose ends and weaves the standalone arcs together. This method has a similarity to the crossover mechanics of Hollywood’s Marvel Cinematic Universe but is based on the realism and intensity of crime dramas.
What distinguishes this from regular franchises is that every film stands on its own. Viewers can view them as discrete stories but will enjoy greater fulfillment and intertextual enrichment if they see the whole franchise. Every investigator, city, and crime scene contributes another dimension to the expanding mythos of HIT world.
Raising the Bar for Telugu Cinema
Sailesh Kolanu’s vision for the HIT universe is not merely about writing high-tension thrillers; it’s about elevating the commercial storytelling standards of Telugu cinema. The franchise functions within the mainstream framework but doesn’t bank on formulaic devices. Rather, it focuses on careful screenwriting, character work, and compelling stories — elements usually lacking in traditional blockbusters.
Additionally, Kolanu is creating something unique in Indian cinema — a genre-specific film universe. Unlike most franchises, which tend towards fantasy or action-comedy, HIT’s psychological thriller orientation is a risk. It hits at the urban, crime-solving narrative space that has a strong international following but has been underused in Indian regional markets.
Star Power and Creative Consistency
Another major reason for the success and hype of the HIT movies is their casting approach. By hiring skilled actors such as Vishwak Sen, Adivi Sesh, and Nani — all renowned for selecting content-driven roles — the franchise has both commercial value and artistic credibility.
Although every actor infuses his character with a different energy, Kolanu maintains narrative coherence through writing and directing. The common motifs of trauma, justice, and psychological tension are masterfully intertwined into every case so that the audience not only traces the plot but becomes emotionally invested in the characters.
With additional parts in the pipeline, there is already much speculation regarding which actor will lead the fourth and fifth parts. Names such as Naga Chaitanya, Sharwanand, and even Dulquer Salmaan have been floated in fan circles, reflecting the kind of buzz the franchise creates with each step.
The Road Ahead: HIT 4 and Beyond
HIT 4 will probably be heading into production any day now with a whole new lead character and a different backdrop if all goes according to schedule. The fan base is sitting on pins waiting for announcements on the setting and cast and hopefully more clues linking the dots back to the sure-to-come seventh installment.
With the commercial success of HIT 3 and its 69% recovery within two days, there is every possibility that the franchise will continue its box office run. With Sailesh Kolanu solidly at the helm of the director’s chair and with a roadmap as uncomplicated as ever, the world of HIT is ready to be a defining column of modern Telugu cinema.
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Final Thoughts
Sailesh Kolanu’s ambitious seven-film master plan for the HIT franchise is a watershed moment for Indian cinema. With each installment, he’s not only serving up thrillers — he’s carefully building a world where each story counts, each character serves a purpose, and each clue points to something important. As the audience waits with bated breath for the next turn, one thing is sure — the HIT saga has only just begun.
Telugu cinema has discovered its own world — and it lands with a thud.
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