Nani, the producer of the successful HIT crime thriller franchise, once famously declared he wouldn’t star in his own productions; yet an “accidental cameo” snowballed, pulling the ‘Natural Star’ into leading HIT 3: The Third Case, where he essays a cop for the first time.
Nani, who was in Chennai, talked about how this transpired, and other aspects of the evolving HIT Universe, particularly HIT 3, which, he says, is designed purely for the big screen, packed as it is with edge-of-the-seat thrills.
Universe expanding
“When Sailesh Kolanu got me the script of HIT 3, I loved it! We thought we would do it immediately. The journey wasn’t planned. We started with the idea of making one good film. But now it is growing into a huge tree with different branches, and the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT) is exploring new territories. The first was HIT Telangana, the second, HIT Andhra, the third is HIT Srinagar and Andhra. The fourth could be HIT Tamil Nadu or HIT Kerala.
Actor vs. Producer
“Actor Nani and producer Nani – they are exactly the same. The thumb rule is that in both avatars, I listen to stories only as a member of the audience. However, producing film offers more freedom — I can go quirky, have crazy ideas. As an actor I have a certain responsibility and I can’t go too crazy.”
Big screen violence
“There are two kinds of violence, I feel. One makes you think, wow, that’s too much. The other type makes you say, Nice! That was fun! HIT 3 is the second kind. This film is more about keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s a thriller. And during the action sequences, there are whistle-worthy moments. This violence is designed for a mainstream, big-screen experience. It’s not ‘difficult to watch’ violence.”
On co-star Srinidhi Shetty
“She walked in like a HIT family member. She never made us feel she was coming to do a job.”
On tragedy in Pahalgam
“Having filmed in Srinagar, this tragedy feels especially heavy. It’s profoundly sad that these things keep happening. We hope for peace.”
A surprise cameo by Karthi?
“Surprises are supposed to be surprises. I cannot reveal them. But you can keep guessing names, no problem (laughs).”
“I love Karthik’s work. I have huge respect for Suriya Sir. I’ve literally grown up watching his films. I’m extremely excited about Retro. If I were here in Chennai for the release, it would have been fun to watch the morning show.”
Hit actress SRINIDHI SHETTY opens up about Nani
‘I found it effortless to act opposite Nani’
Where my heart is Joining another potential franchise after KGF wasn’t a goal for me. I didn’t go looking for this, it came to me. I was drawn by the HIT 3 story and character. I just want to do movies that capture my heart. Even if it’s only very few movies, it’s okay. I just want to do films which make me happy.”
On-screen sparks; off-screen respect
“I was a fan of Nani when I was studying in college. I was waiting for an opportunity to act with him.! My dream has come true. But I did not expect to act in a film of this genre. It really gives me joy. It was very easy and effortless for me to play Mrudula to Nani Sir’s Arjun Sarkar.”