Four major films clashed at the box office on May 1st, 2025, including two South Indian blockbusters: Nani's Hit: The Third Case (Hit 3) and Surya's Retro. High expectations surrounded both films, but the box office picture eight days later reveals a stark contrast.
Hit 3 Vs Retro Box Office Collection Day 8: Released on May 1st, the South Indian films Retro and Hit 3 enjoyed b opening day performances. However, their box office trajectories have diverged significantly. Retro, marking Surya's return to the big screen, had a successful first day, but its earnings declined sharply from the second day onwards. Conversely, Hit 3, starring Nani, has maintained b momentum and continues to generate substantial revenue.
Nani's 'Hit 3' Emerges as Audience Favorite
The Nani-starrer crime thriller, Hit 3, made a powerful box office debut, amassing a spectacular ₹21 crore on its opening day, surprising both audiences and industry experts. While the film's earnings experienced some fluctuation, positive audience response and b word-of-mouth ensured its continued success throughout the week. The eight-day collection is as follows:
- Day 1: ₹21 crore
- Day 2: ₹10.5 crore
- Day 3: ₹10.4 crore
- Day 4: ₹10.25 crore
- Day 5: ₹3.65 crore
- Day 6: ₹3.25 crore
- Day 7: ₹2.35 crore
- Day 8: ₹2 crore (Saknilk initial estimates)
In total, Hit 3 has garnered a net collection of ₹63.40 crore in eight days, a remarkable figure for a mid-budget thriller. The film's storyline, direction, and particularly Nani's mature performance have captivated audiences.
Retro's Shine Limited to the Weekend
On the other hand, Surya's much-anticipated film, Retro, also started well on its opening day but failed to sustain the momentum. While the opening day collection of ₹19.25 crore provided a b foundation, its pace slowed considerably during the weekdays. The eight-day earnings are as follows:
- Day 1: ₹19.25 crore
- Day 2: ₹7.75 crore
- Day 3: ₹8 crore
- Day 4: ₹8.15 crore
- Day 5: ₹8.15 crore
- Day 6: ₹2.5 crore
- Day 7: ₹1.9 crore
- Day 8: ₹1.75 crore (Saknilk report)
Retro's total net collection after eight days stands at ₹52.70 crore. Initial projections had anticipated its early entry into the ₹100 crore club, but the declining collections have significantly hampered its progress.
Why is 'Hit 3' Outperforming 'Retro'?
- Thrilling and Twisting Narrative: Hit 3's script is tightly woven, maintaining suspense and excitement throughout. The mystery keeps audiences engaged, drawing them to theaters.
- Nani's Performance: Nani's portrayal of a seasoned police officer is captivating, and his chemistry with Srinidhi Shetty is also widely praised.
- Retro's Dated Formula: Retro boasts a stylish presentation, but its storyline feels drawn-out in several places. The film's slow pace and predictable script failed to sustain audience interest.
Early trends in the second week suggest that Hit 3 has already won the box office battle. While Retro will likely rely on overseas collections and digital rights to recoup its investment, Hit 3 is poised to maintain its b hold on the domestic box office.
