Rajkumar Hirani, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, is finally making his digital debut. His much-anticipated comedy-drama series ‘Pritam and Pedro’ will premiere on JioHotstar on July 3, 2026.
The announcement came alongside a quirky first-look poster showing two men standing beside an abandoned ATM on a deserted beach, instantly sparking curiosity.
When and where to watch
‘Pritam and Pedro’ will stream exclusively on JioHotstar starting July 3, 2026. The series marks Hirani’s first foray into long-form storytelling after a string of blockbuster films including the ‘Munnabhai’ series, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘PK’, ‘Sanju’, and ‘Dunki’.
What is the series about?
The official logline reads: “An abandoned ATM on a beach, two unlikely men standing beside it, and a mystery strange enough to instantly spark curiosity.”
While the makers have kept specific plot details under wraps, the series is described as a quirky, rooted, and unpredictable mystery. True to Hirani’s signature style, it promises a blend of humour, warmth, and emotional depth.
The story revolves around two diametrically opposite individuals who are forced to come together under unusual circumstances, leading to a chain of unexpected events.
The cast: a fresh pairing
Arshad Warsi plays Pedro, a seasoned investigator who believes in solving cases with old-school methods – instinct, experience, and ground-level networking.
Vir Hirani, Rajkumar Hirani’s son, makes his acting debut as Pritam, a young computer geek who approaches problems with technology, algorithms, and a sharp, modern mindset.
The unlikely duo – one analog, one digital – must overcome their differences to unravel a mystery that begins with that abandoned ATM.
This reunion is special: Arshad Warsi and Rajkumar Hirani worked together nearly two decades ago in ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ (2006).
The director and creative team
While Hirani is the creator and producer, the series is directed by Avinash Arun, known for his acclaimed work on ‘Paatal Lok’, ‘School of Lies’, and the award-winning films ‘Killa’ and ‘Three of Us’.
Avinash Arun’s grounded, atmospheric style complements Hirani’s emotional storytelling. The collaboration marks an exciting fusion of two distinct creative sensibilities.
Hirani on his OTT debut
Speaking about the series, Rajkumar Hirani said: “I’ve always enjoyed stories where very different people are forced to come together and navigate life in unexpected ways. ‘Pritam and Pedro’ has a lot of humour, warmth and madness in that sense.”
He added, “The long-format space gave us the opportunity to spend more time with the characters and really explore their journey. It’s been an exciting experience, and I’m happy to partner with JioHotstar for it.”
Why this series matters
‘Pritam and Pedro’ is significant on multiple fronts:
- Rajkumar Hirani’s streaming debut – After decades in cinema, Hirani embraces the OTT space
- Vir Hirani’s acting launch – The filmmaker’s son steps into the spotlight
- Arshad Warsi reunion – Nearly 20 years after ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’
- Genre blend – A cybercrime thriller layered with Hirani’s signature warmth and comedy
What to expect
The series explores the darker side of online threats – cyber fraud, digital manipulation, and anonymous crime – but through Hirani’s humanistic lens. Expect moments of laughter, unexpected emotional beats, and a mystery that keeps you guessing.
Alok Jain, Head of Hindi & English Entertainment Business at JioStar, commented: “We believe some of the most compelling stories are the ones that feel deeply rooted yet universally entertaining.”
Production details
The series has been shot across multiple locations, including Goa, Mumbai, and a coastal village in Karnataka. The cinematography is handled by Avinash Arun himself, along with Anuj Rakesh Dhawan.
The music is composed by Shantanu Moitra, who has collaborated with Hirani on almost all his films, including the ‘Munnabhai’ series and ‘3 Idiots’.
Release strategy
JioHotstar plans to release all episodes of ‘Pritam and Pedro’ simultaneously on July 3, making it available for binge-watching from day one. The platform is also planning a grand premiere event in Mumbai on July 1, attended by the cast and crew.
With its release date now locked, ‘Pritam and Pedro’ is easily one of the most anticipated Indian web series of 2026.
