Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has revealed what drew him to his latest project, Pritam and Pedro — a JioHotstar series set in Goa that brings together two wildly mismatched characters in an unlikely journey. Speaking ahead of the trailer launch, Hirani pointed to the emotional tension between the show's two leads as the creative spark that pulled him in.

Hirani on the story's appeal

'What excited me most about this story was the relationship at its heart,' Hirani said. 'Pritam and Pedro come from completely different worlds and see life very differently, but they are forced into a journey together. I've always been drawn to stories about people, their contradictions, their vulnerabilities, and the unexpected relationships they form along the way. This series allowed us to explore all of that while having a lot of fun with the world and characters.'

The admission is characteristic of Hirani, whose filmography — from Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. to 3 Idiots — has consistently mined odd-couple dynamics for both comedy and emotional depth.

What the series is about

Pritam and Pedro is created by Rajkumar Hirani and directed by Avinash Arun. The show is set against the vivid, sun-drenched backdrop of Goa and centres on two contrasting protagonists: Pedro, an old-school cop who operates on instinct and gut feeling, and Pritam, a sharp young technology expert. Their worlds collide under unusual circumstances, setting off a journey filled with humour, chaos, and unexpected emotional turns.

The ensemble cast features Arshad Warsi, Vikrant Massey, Vir Hirani, Mona Singh, and Boman Irani. The trailer was released on Monday, 15 June across social media platforms.

What the cast and director said

Director Avinash Arun described the show's tonal balance as its defining quality. 'What attracted me to Pritam and Pedro was its ability to constantly surprise you. It is a story filled with humour and chaos, but also one that is deeply rooted in human relationships. We wanted to create a world that feels immersive, entertaining, and emotionally resonant at the same time,' he said.

Arshad Warsi, who plays Pedro, said the character's impulsiveness was part of the draw. 'Pedro is one of those characters who doesn't overthink life; he trusts his instincts, follows his heart and often lands himself in situations he probably shouldn't be in. What I loved about the show was the madness, humor, and unpredictability of the journey,' Warsi said.

Vikrant Massey highlighted the show's layered writing. 'There is humour, mystery, emotion and a lot of surprising turns. Every character has their own agenda, their own flaws, and their own journey, which makes the world feel incredibly alive,' he said.

Premiere date and platform

Pritam and Pedro is scheduled to premiere on 3 July on JioHotstar. The series marks a notable foray into the streaming format for Hirani, who has spent the bulk of his career in theatrical cinema. With a Goa setting, a crime-comedy premise, and one of Hindi cinema's more reliable ensemble casts, the show arrives with considerable anticipation.