HIT: The First Case 2022: Full Review and Breakdown

HIT: The First Case 2022 – At a Glance

Attribute	Details
Movie Name	HIT: The First Case (2022)
Release Date	15 July 2022
Genre	Crime Thriller, Mystery
Director	Dr. Sailesh Kolanu
Cast	Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, Milind Gunaji, Dalip Tahil, Shilpa Shukla
Runtime	Approx. 135 minutes
Language	Hindi
Rating	Not Rated / Generally suitable for mature audiences
Original Source	Remake of the 2020 Telugu film of the same name

Introduction: A Cop’s Race Against Time

In the crowded space of Indian crime thrillers, “HIT: The First Case 2022” arrives as a Hindi remake with a clear mission. It aims to deliver a tense, procedural drama centered on a missing person’s case. The film places Rajkummar Rao, an actor known for his intense performances, in the driver’s seat. It promises a gritty look at police work and personal trauma. For viewers seeking a straightforward thriller without song-and-dance interruptions, this film sets a specific mood from the start. The question is whether it hits the target or misses the mark.

Story Overview: The Disappearance of Preethi

The plot follows Vikram Yadav, a dedicated police officer in the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT). He is assigned to find a young woman named Preethi who has vanished without a trace. As Vikram digs deeper, the investigation becomes more complex. He faces dead ends, red herrings, and bureaucratic hurdles.

Complicating matters is Vikram’s own unresolved trauma. He is haunted by the past disappearance of his girlfriend. This personal history blurs the lines between his professional duty and his emotional wounds. The narrative weaves between the current investigation and flashes of Vikram’s past. The search for Preethi becomes a race against time where every clue could be the last.

Performances: The Pillars of the Film

Rajkummar Rao carries the film on his shoulders as Vikram Yadav. He portrays the character’s quiet determination and inner turmoil effectively. His performance is mostly subdued. He uses his eyes and body language to show stress and focus. It is a reliable performance that grounds the film.

Sanya Malhotra plays Neha, a character connected to the case. Her role is limited but significant. She brings a sense of empathy and realism to her scenes. The supporting cast, including Milind Gunaji and Dalip Tahil, fill their police roles adequately. They create a believable, if sometimes generic, investigative environment.

Direction and Execution

Director Sailesh Kolanu, who also directed the original Telugu version, steers this remake. His approach is focused on maintaining a serious tone. The pacing is deliberate, building suspense slowly. The film avoids major stylistic flairs. It chooses a realistic, almost gritty visual style for the police sequences.

However, this consistency can feel like a lack of energy at times. The direction ensures the mystery remains the central focus. Yet, it sometimes misses opportunities to elevate the tension to a gripping level. The film feels like a competent retelling rather than a reimagined version.

Technical Aspects: Cinematography and Music

The cinematography by Manikantan S. Raju supports the film’s somber mood. The color palette is often desaturated, using blues and grays. This creates a cold, procedural atmosphere. The camera work is steady and focused on characters during interrogations and discoveries.

The music and background score by Tanishk Bagchi and Tycho B. C. are functional. The score aims to build suspense in key moments. It is not particularly memorable but does not distract from the narrative. The film wisely avoids inserting unnecessary musical numbers. The sound design helps in making the investigative scenes feel authentic.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Every film has its high and low points. Here is a quick look at what works and what doesn’t in “HIT: The First Case”.

Strengths

Rajkummar Rao’s Performance: He delivers a committed and believable portrayal of a troubled cop.
Focused Narrative: The film sticks to its core mystery without unnecessary subplots.
Realistic Tone: The depiction of police work feels grounded and avoids over-the-top drama.
Pacing: The story unfolds at a steady pace suitable for a mystery.

Weaknesses

Lack of Originality: As a frame-by-frame remake, it offers little new for those familiar with the original.
Predictable Beats: The plot follows standard thriller conventions, leading to few surprises.
Underdeveloped Supporting Cast: Many characters besides Vikram lack depth or backstory.
Emotional Connection: The film struggles to make the audience deeply care about the outcome.

Themes and Message

At its heart, “HIT: The First Case” explores the theme of obsession. It shows how past trauma can consume a person and affect their professional judgment. The film also touches on the persistence required in police work. It highlights the tedious process of following leads that often go nowhere.

A secondary theme is the concept of closure. Both the investigation and Vikram’s personal journey are searches for answers and an end to pain. The movie suggests that solving a case is not just about justice. It is also about finding personal peace for those involved.

Final Verdict: Who Should Watch It?

“HIT: The First Case 2022” is a decent, mid-level thriller. It succeeds in presenting a coherent mystery with a solid lead performance. It is not a groundbreaking film, but it is a competent one. Fans of Rajkummar Rao will appreciate his work here. Viewers who enjoy methodical, slow-burn police procedurals might find it engaging.

However, if you have seen the original Telugu version, this remake offers no new insights. Those seeking high-octane action or major plot twists may feel underwhelmed. It is a one-time watch for thriller enthusiasts looking for a straightforward story.

Star Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is HIT: The First Case 2022 a remake?

Yes. It is a Hindi remake of the 2020 Telugu film “HIT: The First Case”, directed by the same filmmaker, Sailesh Kolanu.

What does HIT stand for in the movie?

HIT stands for Homicide Intervention Team. It is a special police unit within the film’s universe that handles serious cases.

Is the movie based on a true story?

No, “HIT: The First Case” is not based on a true story. It is a work of fictional crime thriller.

How is Rajkummar Rao’s performance?

Rajkummar Rao gives a subdued and intense performance. He effectively portrays a cop battling personal demons while solving a case.

Are there any songs in the movie?

The film has a background score but no traditional, full-length song sequences. It maintains a serious thriller tone throughout.

Is the movie very violent or scary?

It is a thriller with some tense moments and themes of crime. It is not excessively gory, but it deals with mature subject matter suitable for adults.