Indian superstar Mahesh Babu backs new action-adventure game targeting 2028

India’s gaming industry is attracting fresh attention as more developers look beyond mobile entertainment. While smartphones have traditionally dominated the country’s gaming market, ambitious studios are increasingly exploring premium PC and console experiences.

Celebrity investments could help accelerate that ambition, bringing financial support and international recognition to emerging developers. Now, one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars is backing a project that hopes to compete with established global franchises.

Mahesh Babu enters gaming

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has acquired a minority stake in Mumbai-based Shortgun Games, marking his entry into the video game development business. Announced on November 3, 2026, the strategic partnership aims to create original intellectual properties for international audiences.

Although the investment amount remains undisclosed, his involvement goes beyond financial backing. Babu’s experience in cinematic storytelling is expected to support founders Jeet Chandan and Vidhit Mehta as they develop ambitious entertainment franchises.

Founded in 2022, Shortgun Games initially explored mobile and Web3 projects before changing direction in 2024. Its current focus reflects changing gaming trends, particularly growing interest in high-quality Indian-developed console experiences.

Project Takedown targets 2028

Leading the studio’s ambitions is Project Takedown, a big-budget action-adventure game set in a near-future Mumbai. Players can expect a narrative-driven experience lasting approximately 10 to 15 hours, with development targeting PC, PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S. According to previously revealed plans, the game is reportedly targeting a late-2028 release, with audiences across North America, Europe and Japan in mind.

While players eagerly anticipate top upcoming video game releases from established publishers, Shortgun Games hopes to introduce an original Indian-developed franchise worth watching. Detailed environments, layered gameplay and emotionally engaging storytelling are central to that ambition.

RRR action director joins

Bringing cinematic expertise into game development, Shortgun Games has recruited Vicky Arora, whose credits include RRR, Uri: The Surgical Strike and Tanaav. His team is responsible for combat choreography, motion-capture performances and stunt previsualisation. By translating live-action movements into digital characters, developers hope to deliver convincing fight sequences comparable to those found in major international productions.

Combining cinematic stunt work with motion capture also demonstrates how gaming industry innovations can bring more realistic action to interactive entertainment. However, whether Project Takedown can match established AAA franchises remains to be seen.

Funding fuels international ambitions

Shortgun Games previously secured $1 million in seed funding during August 2025, supporting prototype development and recruitment. Another $5 million was subsequently targeted for full-scale production, although that funding remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, the studio is also developing Roll em Out, a cooperative indie adventure offering something different from its flagship project.

With Mahesh Babu’s backing, the company hopes to expand its technical capabilities and creative workforce. Its broader ambition is to demonstrate that Indian developers can produce internationally competitive PC and console titles. Success, however, will ultimately depend on delivering a compelling finished game rather than celebrity involvement alone.