Sailesh Kolanu’s journey into Telugu cinema is anything but typical. Holding a PhD in optometry from the University of New South Wales, Sailesh Kolanu transitioned from a career in healthcare to filmmaking.
Sailesh Kolanu first made his mark with the 2018 short film Checklist before debuting as a big-screen movie director with HIT: The First Case (2020), a surprise box office success produced by actor Nani.
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He strengthened his brand with HIT: The Second Case (2022), showcasing his knack for crafting intense crime thrillers.
However, 2024 dealt a heavy blow to Sailesh Kolanu’s career. His film Saindhav, starring Venkatesh Daggubati and centered on spinal muscular atrophy, was both a commercial and critical disaster.
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Despite being Venkatesh’s landmark 75th film and carrying high expectations, Saindhav faltered due to poor execution and a lack of emotional connection, marking a major setback for Sailesh Kolanu.
Now, all eyes are on HIT: The Third Case, slated for release on May 1, 2025. The film, featuring Nani as cop Arjun Sarkaar, promises a darker, more intense screenplay.
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However, the HIT franchise, despite critical praise, has so far only managed modest audience reach. They weren’t any groundbreaking hits that shook the box office. With the sting of Saindhav still fresh, Sailesh Kolanu faces a do-or-die situation.
A gripping success with HIT 3 could revive his standing and open doors to bigger projects. He must deliver a resounding hit so that the audience will forget and forgive his Saindhav failure.
But if HIT 3 fails, then Sailesh will be branded as a two-hit wonder, and his chances to direct bigger films might end. Another failure could confine him to smaller films or OTT projects, making HIT 3 a crucial moment in his career.
