How a phone call from the Mumbai Cyber Cell inspired 3 Idiots director's OTT debut? When and where to watch Arshad Warsi, Vikrant Massey's Pritam and Pedro

Rajkumar Hirani has spent decades entertaining audiences with blockbuster films such as 3 Idiots, PK, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. and Sanju. Now, the renowned filmmaker is stepping into the OTT space with Pritam and Pedro, a series that mixes cybercrime, mystery and comedy. However, the idea for the show did not come from a writers' room or a film set. Instead, it began with an unexpected phone call during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Rajkumar Hirani's first OTT series

The official trailer of Pritam and Pedra was unveiled at a grand event on Monday (June 15), give audience a glimpse into the world of Rajkumar Hirani's upcoming series.

He is the creator and producer of the project, while filmmaker Avinash Arun has directed the series. The show also marks a special milestone for the Hirani family as it introduces Vir Hirani, the director's son, in his acting debut.

The unexpected phone call that started it all

Speaking at the trailer launch, 3 Idiots director revealed that the origins of Pritam and Pedro can be traced back to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The filmmaker 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."

That conversation led him to cybercrime expert and writer Amit Dubey. Hirani said Dubey later shared a collection of his short stories, many of which contained ideas that could potentially be adapted for the screen.

How the story evolved into Pritam and Pedro

After going through the stories, Rajkumar Hirani felt one of the concepts had the potential to become something much larger.

Rather than directly adapting any single story, he began developing a fresh narrative inspired by the themes and situations he encountered in Dubey's work. Over time, the concept evolved into a multi-layered series with elements of crime, suspense and comedy.

According to Hirani, the final version of Pritam and Pedro is an original story that grew out of those initial inspirations and conversations.

What is Pritam and Pedro about: Cast details and OTT release date

The trailer introduces viewers to Pedro, played by Arshad Warsi, a fearless and impulsive police officer who is far from happy about being transferred to the cyber cell.

His biggest problem is that he knows very little about computers and technology, making him an unlikely fit for his new assignment. Things take an interesting turn when Pedro crosses paths with Pritam Parker, played by newcomer Vir Hirani. Pritam is an exceptionally talented ethical hacker with a sharp mind and a no-nonsense attitude.

The two are forced to work together after the son of a chief minister is kidnapped. Determined to crack the case and return to the crime branch, Pedro joins forces with Pritam to track down the criminals responsible.

As the investigation unfolds, the pair find themselves going through a world of cybercrime, hidden clues and dangerous adversaries. One of the biggest surprises in the trailer is Vikrant Massey's character.

The actor, known for his versatile performances, plays the primary antagonist in the series. He appears as an intelligent and calculating cybercriminal who poses a major challenge for the protagonists.

The show also features an impressive supporting cast, including Mona Singh and Boman Irani in important roles.

Pritam and Pedro is directed by Avinash Arun, whose previous works include the critically acclaimed films Killa (2015) and Three of Us (2023). Amit Dubey is credited as a writer, while Rajkumar Hirani, Suyash Trivedi and Abhijat Joshi share story and screenplay credits. Hirani has also taken on editing responsibilities for the project.

Featuring Arshad Warsi, Vir Hirani, Vikrant Massey, Mona Singh and Boman Irani, the cybercrime comedy-drama is set to begin streaming from July 3, marking Rajkumar Hirani's much-awaited debut in the OTT space.