Acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani is gearing up for his streaming debut with Pritam aur Pedro, an upcoming series that combines elements of cybercrime, mystery and comedy. The show has already generated considerable buzz following the release of its trailer and also marks the acting debut of Hirani’s son, Vir Hirani.

Rajkumar Hirani reveals how a call from Mumbai Cyber Cell inspired his OTT debut Pritam aur Pedro

The series features an ensemble cast including Arshad Warsi, Vikrant Massey, Boman Irani and Mona Singh, and is directed by Avinash Arun. While the project marks Hirani’s first venture into the OTT space as a creator and producer, the filmmaker recently revealed that the idea for the show emerged from an unexpected conversation during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Speaking at the trailer launch of Pritam aur Pedro, Hirani recalled receiving a call from the Mumbai Cyber Cell, which was looking to create awareness around cybercrime through a film project. Rajkumar shared, “During the COVID period, I received a call from the head of the Mumbai Cyber Cell about making a film on cybercrime, but no one was actively working on the subject. I asked them to share the concept, saying I could develop it from home. In the process, I connected with Amit Dubey, who gave me a book of his short stories, a collection that included several ideas suitable for short films.”

The filmmaker explained that while exploring the material, he found inspiration for a much larger narrative that eventually evolved into Pritam aur Pedro. He added, “While reading them, I felt that one of these stories could be expanded into a larger, multi-layered narrative. A few days later, during a Zoom call, I explained that the story I wanted to create wasn’t one of the existing ones, but a completely new story altogether. I was given the opportunity to develop it in my own way, and that is how the journey of Pritam Pedro began.”

The series is expected to blend humour with themes surrounding cybercrime, while also incorporating mystery and drama. With Hirani backing the project and a cast featuring several established actors, Pritam aur Pedro is among the notable streaming releases lined up for the coming month.

Pritam aur Pedro will premiere on JioHotstar on July 3.

Also read: Pritam And Pedro trailer launch: Arshad Warsi recalls shooting with Rajkumar Hirani’s son Vir for Lage Raho Munna Bhai: “Jab tak usko paise nahin diye, usne shot nahin diya!”