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Sailesh Kolanu's latest installment in the HIT-verse, 'HIT: The Third Case' (HIT 3), starring Nani and Srinidhi Shetty, has garnered significant attention and box office success. In a recent interview, Kolanu expressed his relief and gratitude, reflecting on the intense period of post-production that preceded the film's release. He described surviving on minimal sleep and the rewarding experience of witnessing the audience's enthusiastic reception in theaters. The interview delves into various aspects of the film's making, including the challenges of maintaining objectivity during the lengthy production process, the experience of directing actors he admires, the incorporation of meta-references to Nani's career, and the research behind the film's dark web-themed storyline. Kolanu also discusses the character development of the protagonist, Arjun Sarkaar, emphasizing the importance of vulnerabilities in making the character relatable. The transition from the whodunnit format of the previous films to a high-action thriller in 'HIT 3' is another topic explored, with Kolanu expressing his satisfaction with the seamless blend of genres. He shares insights into his collaboration with music composer Mickey J Meyer, emphasizing the need for the background score to enhance the viewing experience without overwhelming it. The casting of the antagonist and the intricate production design of the film are also discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of the creative decisions that shaped 'HIT 3'. Kolanu addresses questions regarding perceived plot inconsistencies and clarifies his approach to addressing audience concerns. Finally, he hints at the future of the HIT-verse and his upcoming projects, including a potential departure into a different genre before returning to the cop universe. This interview offers a valuable glimpse into the mind of a director deeply invested in his craft and committed to delivering a compelling cinematic experience.
One of the central themes of the interview is the director's perspective on maintaining objectivity throughout the filmmaking process. Kolanu acknowledges the challenge of becoming too close to the material after spending a year or more on a project. He emphasizes the importance of reminding oneself of the initial intent and excitement that fueled the creation of the film. Kolanu reveals that he sometimes takes a two-week break during post-production to revisit the footage with a fresh perspective. This approach allows him to better assess the film's strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments. He also highlights the importance of collaboration with his team in identifying and addressing any potential issues. The director's ability to recognize and rectify problems demonstrates his commitment to delivering a polished and cohesive final product. His admission of the difficulty in staying objective underscores the inherent challenges in creative endeavors and the need for self-awareness and adaptability.
The director's experience of working with actors he admires, such as Venkatesh in 'Saindhav' and Nani in 'HIT 3,' is another noteworthy aspect of the interview. Kolanu admits to initially feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of directing stars he greatly respected. However, he gradually overcame this feeling by focusing on the task at hand and reminding himself that he had been entrusted with the responsibility of making a good film. Nani also played a role in putting the director at ease, offering encouragement and support. The incorporation of meta-references to Nani's career in 'HIT 3' reflects the director's admiration for the actor and his willingness to experiment with unconventional storytelling techniques. These moments, which were not premeditated, resonated with the audience and added a layer of depth to the film. Kolanu's decision to include these references demonstrates his understanding of the audience's expectations and his ability to cater to their desires without compromising the integrity of the story.
The interview also sheds light on the research and inspiration behind the film's storyline, which revolves around a gang operating on the dark web. Kolanu reveals that he and his team conducted extensive research and consulted with the cyber crime wing in Hyderabad to ensure the authenticity of the film's depiction of the dark web. While he acknowledges that certain aspects of the story were exaggerated for dramatic effect, he emphasizes that the issues explored in the film are rooted in reality. The mention of BTK, a serial killer in the United States, serves as a point of reference and highlights the dark and disturbing nature of the crimes committed on the dark web. Kolanu's commitment to research and accuracy demonstrates his dedication to creating a believable and engaging narrative.
The character development of the protagonist, Arjun Sarkaar, is another key focus of the interview. Kolanu emphasizes the importance of giving the character vulnerabilities, such as hypertension and relationship struggles, to make him more relatable to the audience. These traits humanize the character and differentiate him from the stereotypical portrayal of invincible cops. By showcasing Arjun Sarkaar's personal life and his emotional struggles, the director aims to create a deeper connection between the character and the audience. The inclusion of moments where the character breaks down further reinforces the idea that he is not a coldhearted man, despite appearances. Kolanu's approach to character development reflects his understanding of the audience's desire for relatable and complex characters.
The transition from the whodunnit format of the previous films to a high-action thriller in 'HIT 3' is discussed in detail. Kolanu explains that the decision to shift genres was driven by the desire to provide the audience with a theatrical experience. He wanted the transition to be seamless, so that the audience would not feel disconnected from the HIT-verse. The film begins with an investigation and gradually transitions into a survival thriller, creating a sense of suspense and excitement. Kolanu expresses his satisfaction with the amalgamation of genres, highlighting the film's ability to cater to different tastes and preferences.
The collaboration with music composer Mickey J Meyer is also explored in the interview. Kolanu reveals that his brief to Meyer was to keep the audience at the edge of their seats and to create a background score that would enhance the theatrical moments. He wanted the music to work in the background, without preempting the emotions or drawing undue attention to itself. Kolanu emphasizes his preference for films that work as a whole, rather than individual aspects standing out. Meyer's music, which incorporates percussion and rhythm, is described as being in a new-age zone, complementing the film's overall tone and atmosphere.
The casting of the antagonist is another noteworthy aspect of the interview. Kolanu explains that he chose an actor who is unlike the macho villains typically seen in Telugu cinema. The antagonist's amiable demeanor initially masks his darker side, making his eventual reveal all the more shocking. The director deliberately avoided providing a backstory for the antagonist, as he believes that nothing can justify his behavior. He draws a parallel to real-life serial killers, such as those depicted in Netflix's 'Dahmer,' who often do not know the reasons for their actions. Kolanu's approach to the antagonist's character reflects his willingness to challenge conventions and to explore the complexities of human nature.
The production design of the film is also discussed, with Kolanu elaborating on the three layers of detailing that were incorporated into the design. The riverside palace in the Northeast, which serves as the antagonist's hideout, is described as being 150 years old and having functioned as a hospital before being abandoned. The production design incorporates elements of the palace ruins, the hospital ramps, and new bamboo structures, creating a visually rich and immersive environment. The boxing ring, which is among the newer wooden structures, adds another layer of detail to the setting. Kolanu encourages the audience to pause the film and examine the intricate details in each frame, suggesting that repeat viewings will reveal even more hidden elements.
Kolanu addresses questions regarding perceived plot inconsistencies, such as the antagonist's failure to thoroughly check the new members of his gang. He explains that facial recognition technology is not widely available in India and that an extensive DNA database does not exist to identify people. He also addresses questions regarding the police officer's failure to recognize Mrudala from earlier days, attributing it to the officer having been only a guest lecturer. Kolanu's willingness to engage with audience feedback demonstrates his commitment to transparency and his desire to address any concerns that may arise. He also explains why Vikram Rudraraju (Vishwak Sen) did not cameo. The HIT-verse continues, with someone leading HIT 4. This bilingual actor has been in investigative cop dramas.
Finally, Kolanu hints at the future of the HIT-verse and his upcoming projects. He reveals that the core idea of the crime and the story for HIT 4 is ready, but he is yet to flesh out the screenplay. He also mentions that he will begin writing his next film, which may be a romcom or a fun film without blood and gore. He explains that taking a break from the cop universe will help him return with a fresh approach. Kolanu's willingness to experiment with different genres and his long-term vision for the HIT-verse demonstrate his ambition and his commitment to continued growth as a filmmaker. Kolanu will explore romcom or fun film next.