HIT: The First Case

Dr. Sailesh Kolanu's story is promising and has all the ingredients of a whodunnit. Dr Sailesh Kolanu's screenplay is engaging for most parts, especially the investigation sequences. The writer amps up the plot by revealing several characters that have questionable intentions. Hence, viewers are constantly guessing who could be the culprit. Girish Kohli's dialogues are well-worded.

What works wonders for the film is the way a simple thriller story is presented. There is nothing extraordinary or mind-blowing in the plot of the film but the way with which it has been directed and presented is really appreciable. The makers made sure to add the elements of fun, entertainment, and action. The film not just keeps you intrigued throughout, but it also provides you with a dose of laughter in between. In certain scenes, several serious social issues have also been raised. It should also be noted that none of these elements look forced or weird in the script. Rajkummar Rao shines bright in the movie. Ahead of the release, it was being teased as the actor’s intense avatar on screen but once you watch the film, you will realise that there is a lot more to it. The film is a treat for Rajkummar’s lovers.

Despite the refined aesthetic, a nervous energy envelops HIT's potholed writing and hazy chronology of events amplified by feverishly edited shots of Vikram crumbling bit by bit under the burden of overlapping images of loss. Some portions are plain clumsy or unnecessary. Like the schoolboy quarrels between Vikram and a constantly grudging colleague (Jatin Goswami). Or meekly picturised scenes of justice demanding college protestors. Some continuity glitches too. Rao is clean shaven in one scene, sporting a beard in next. And muffled abuses in the audio interrupt the momentum of its storytelling. But my biggest grievance is Shilpa Shukla's character. It is no spoiler when I say I am still scratching my head over it.