Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has revealed that his upcoming cybercrime web series 'Pritam and Pedro' is designed to shatter the long-held perception that Arshad Warsi is confined to comedy roles — giving the actor a character with a serious, layered backstory alongside his trademark wit. The series is set to premiere on 3 July 2026.

Hirani on Casting Arshad Warsi

Speaking about his third collaboration with Warsi, Hirani explained that the pairing came down to the script finding the right role for the right actor. 'The first two films of my life were with Arshad, and after that, also, I wanted to work with him, but finally, there is a script, there are some roles, and with those roles, you decide who should do it and who should not do it. We were going to do it once or twice, but due to some date, we couldn't do it,' he said.

The filmmaker noted that the opportunity finally arrived with 'Pritam and Pedro', where Warsi plays a cop — a departure from his familiar screen persona. 'This is not the circuit; this is, of course, lighthearted humor, and all, but there is a serious character, and his backstory is very serious,' Hirani said, adding that audiences will discover 'there is comedy and there is a very serious side to him also.'

How the Show Differs from Other Cybercrime Dramas

Hirani acknowledged that most cybercrime dramas he has encountered tend to be 'very serious and dark.' 'Pritam and Pedro' takes a different approach — blending cybercrime investigation with humour, emotion, and a fast-paced narrative. 'You will not get stuck anywhere. You will not get the feeling that the web series has a long story,' he said.

This tonal balance — serious subject matter wrapped in accessible storytelling — is a hallmark of Hirani's filmography, from 'Munna Bhai MBBS' to '3 Idiots', and now translated to the streaming format for the first time.

The Creative Team and Source Material

Rajkumar Hirani serves as creator, co-writer, editor, and producer of the series. Direction is handled by Avinash Arun. The ensemble cast includes Vir Hirani, Vikrant Massey, and Boman Irani in pivotal roles alongside Warsi.

The series draws inspiration from author Amit Dubey's books 'Hidden Files' and 'Return of the Trojan Horse', grounding its cybercrime narrative in real-world research. Dubey is a noted cybersecurity expert, lending the show a layer of authenticity that distinguishes it from purely fictional crime dramas.

What to Expect on Premiere Day

'Pritam and Pedro' premieres on 3 July 2026. It marks Hirani's first foray into the web series format, a significant shift for a director whose theatrical outings have consistently been among Hindi cinema's highest-grossing films. Whether the streaming audience responds to his signature blend of warmth and social commentary will be closely watched by the industry.