Going Viral: Ketan & Manpreet Spark Global Storm With ‘Sapphire 2.0’!

AUCKLAND, NZ — When pop titan Ed Sheeran teamed up with Indian vocal powerhouse Arijit Singh for the global hit Sapphire, the track took the world by storm. But thousands of miles away in New Zealand, it sparked a creative flame that would lead to one of the most ambitious independent music video projects the country has seen this year.

Filmmaker Ketan has officially launched Sapphire 2.0—a breathtaking Hindi version of the global anthem, featuring powerful lyrics by Manpreet. Since its release on July 10th, the music video has met with an "out of this world" public response, capturing the hearts of both the global Indian diaspora and local music enthusiasts.

Behind the stunning visuals and soul-stirring lyrics lies a grueling, passionate, fourteen-month labor of love that proves great things truly begin in the most humble places.

The Genesis: A Chance Meeting and a Garage Studio

The story of Sapphire 2.0 began a year ago when the original track was dominating global charts. Recognizing the massive potential of the song, Sandy from Humm FM suggested to Ketan that he should attempt a Hindi version of the track. Fate stepped in shortly after when Ketan met lyricist Manpreet through Humm FM. The creative chemistry was instantaneous.

In June of last year, the duo officially set to work. The birthplace of Sapphire 2.0 wasn't a high-end commercial studio, but the modest space of Ketan’s house garage. It was there, surrounded by raw passion and late-night brainstorming sessions, that Manpreet began putting pen to paper, translating the global pop hit into a deeply emotional Hindi poetic journey.

While Ketan is no stranger to the music industry—having successfully directed and edited numerous singles and music videos in the past—he admits that this project became the longest, most highly anticipated, and demanding journey of his filmmaking career to date. It took more than a year of relentless hard work, refining the audio and planning the visuals, to finally bring the vision to life.

An Epic Road Trip Across Aotearoa

With the audio finalized, Ketan took on the massive responsibility of both directing and editing the video entirely by himself. His ultimate vision was clear: to pay homage to the artistic taste and essence of the original Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh video, but with a uniquely New Zealand perspective.

To achieve this, the duo packed up an acoustic guitar, hopped into a sleek grey Tesla Model 3, and embarked on a massive road trip traversing the length of the North Island to showcase the raw, cinematic beauty of the country through a fresh lens.

"We wanted to do complete justice to the original track while showing the world the sheer beauty of the country we live in," says Ketan.

The filming journey became an unmatched travel log of New Zealand’s diverse geography. They traveled from the bustling streets of Auckland to the sunny coastlines of Tauranga, down through the scenic landscapes of Hastings, and all the way to the capital city of Wellington. They journeyed through Palmerston North and headed toward the iconic Mt Taranaki. Although thick, unpredictable Kiwi weather prevented them from getting a clear shot of the mountain peak itself, the journey yielded breathtaking footage of the region's hidden gems. Along the way, Ketan deliberately captured the essence of the countless small, quiet, and incredibly charming towns nestled between the major cities, giving the video an authentic, heartwarming road-trip soul.

A Powerful Creative Duo

The project unites two massive local talents. Manpreet, who wrote the poignant lyrics, has already built a formidable reputation in the community, having previously achieved widespread viral fame for the immensely popular "Papatoetoe" song. His ability to capture local cultural identity while retaining global appeal shines through beautifully in Sapphire 2.0.

Combined with Ketan’s sharp directorial eye and meticulous color grading, the final video perfectly balances the endless blue skies, rugged cliff sides, and open roads of New Zealand with the warmth of Hindi music. Seeing the overwhelming tide of positive comments and shares rolling in, the duo feels deeply vindicated that their year-long hustle has truly resonated with the audience.

The Ultimate Goal: A Dream Reaction

While the local and international response has exceeded their wildest expectations, Ketan and Manpreet have their eyes set on an even bigger milestone. The ultimate dream for this project is to create enough viral momentum across social media to reach the digital screens of the original creators themselves: Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh.

Given the sheer scale of the production, the dedication poured into the visuals, and the masterful lyrical adaptation, a reaction from the original global icons would be the ultimate seal of approval for this New Zealand masterpiece.

Where to Watch

The official music video for Sapphire 2.0 is streaming right now. Audiences can experience the full cinematic journey exclusively on the official VR3 Films YouTube channel by clicking the link below:

👉 Watch Now on YouTube:https://youtu.be/bGqEQwRVDQI?si=0O-9JBYmykDOBsiy

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