HIT - Movie Review
Film: HIT (First Case)
Cast: Vishwak Sen, Ruhani Sharma, Chaitanya Sagiraju, Brahmaji, Bhanu Chander, Murali Sharma, and others
Music: Vivek Sagar
Cinematography: S Manikandan
Editor: Garry BH
Art: Avinash Kolla
Banner: Wall Poster Cinema
Presented by: Nani
Producer: Prashanti Tipirneni
Written and directed by: Dr. Sailesh Kolanu
Release date: Feb 28, 2020
What’s it about!
A police inspector Vikram (Vishwak Sen) who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder gets involved in the investigation of two missing cases - a teenager named Preethi and his girlfriend Neha (Ruhani Sharma). He decides to crack the cases by hook or crook but all the leads and clues take him to nowhere. How are these two cases interconnected? And how would he solve them?
Analysis
‘HIT’ is a genre-specific thriller. It has all the essential elements of a procedural thriller. Those who have seen international TV serials like ‘Detective’, ‘Jessica Jones’ would easily get the mood and tropes of this genre. Even the angle of the protagonist suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is inspired by such international series.
For a regular Telugu viewer, however, the film’s mood and setup would provide novelty. Debutant director Shailesh Kolanu takes us right into the investigation process by opening the story with a missing case and the protagonist commencing the investigation. Straight to the point! Vishwak Sen who is known for his temperamental nature has carried the role of police suffering from PTS so well from the beginning. This is the classic case of off-screen image and on-screen image getting blurred. The recurrent images of ‘fire’ might be a symbolism of the protagonist’s inner turmoil.
The investigation process involves collecting DNA samples from all suspects, checking the footage of CCTV cameras, the forensic team analyzing all materials. The new-age police investigation methods are shown in detail in this movie. This setup has added freshness though the plot is paper-thin and the entire screenplay revolves around the two missing cases.
Director has succeeded in creating the mood with these elements to the most part. In fact, two-thirds of the movie gets it right. Background score by Vivek Sagar is another huge plus that has elevated the mood. However, for any thriller the twist is important. When the twist is convincing, it gives the feeling of watching a riveting drama, if not it leaves us not fully satisfied.
‘HIT’ has suffered heavily in the climax portion when the twist is revealed. Believability factor of the motive is less. It seems farfetched as well. Despite the interesting premise, setting the right mood, the final portions lack effectiveness.
Among the actors, it is lead actor Vishwak Sen who steals the show. He is apt for the role. He has carried the temperamental mood right. Ruhani Sharma has not much character, Murali Sharma gets a raw deal. The new actor Chaitanya Sagiraju is a good find, he has performed like an experienced actor. Hari Teja keeps talking about the stigma of divorcee women. Her portion is not handled well.
The film scores high in the technical department. Vivek Sagar dominates the show. He has given a riveting background score. Cinematographer Manikandan has succeeded in creating a pitch-perfect mood with his dark lighting. Sound design and artwork are also excellent.
New director Sailesh Kolanu has shown his mark in many places but his writing in the climax is weak. Editing should have been sharper.
Bottom-line: ‘Hit' gets the mood needed for a thriller perfectly, the technical output (especially background score) is brilliant and also Vishwak’s performance is good. But it somehow misses hitting the bull's-eye by a whisker in the end due to the far-fetched climax. There is a rider: If one is convinced with the twist, the film will impress totally. 'Hit' ends with the hint of a sequel.