For more than two decades, Rajkumar Hirani earned a reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most respected filmmakers. From Munna Bhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munna Bhai to 3 Idiots and PK, his films blended humour, emotion, social messages and commercial appeal with remarkable consistency.
However, the response to Dunki had already sparked discussion about his recent form. Now, the reception to his OTT debut, Pritam and Pedro, has raised fresh questions about whether his storytelling style still connects with today’s audience.
Streaming on JioHotstar, Pritam and Pedro stars Arshad Warsi and debutant Vir Hirani in a cybercrime comedy drama set in Goa. The story follows an old-school police officer who teams up with a young tech expert to investigate cybercrime. The concept offered plenty of scope for humour, conflict and suspense.
Despite the promising premise, many critics and viewers believe the execution feels outdated. Several reviews pointed to the show’s simple portrayal of cybercrime and technology. Some felt the series lacked depth and failed to reflect the complexity of the digital world.
A few reviewers described the show as too basic in its approach to cybercrime. Others felt the explanations resembled a school awareness programme rather than a modern crime drama. Many viewers also believed the storytelling did not fully utilise the potential of its subject.
Audience reactions on social media have also been mixed. While some praised the show’s warmth and Arshad Warsi’s performance, others found it predictable and overly simplistic. Several viewers also criticised the writing for relying on familiar clichés and outdated humour.
The response has drawn attention because Rajkumar Hirani has long been known for delivering both critical and commercial successes. Even supporters of Dunki admitted it was not among his strongest films. That has made the reaction to Pritam and Pedro even more significant.
Some observers now feel that Hirani’s ability to simplify complex subjects has become less effective in today’s fast-changing entertainment landscape. At the same time, many believe it is too early to judge his career based on one OTT project.
Rajkumar Hirani has built exceptionally high expectations through his own body of work. That is why Pritam and Pedro is being viewed by some as an unexpected setback rather than just another release. Whether it marks a temporary dip or a larger shift remains to be seen.
