Sports Market
Mahesh Babu invests in Shortgun Games
The actor joins the Mumbai-based gaming studio as a strategic investor as it develops original PC and console titles, led by its flagship project, PROJECT TAKEDOWN.
Backing co-founders Jeet Chandan and Vidhit Mehta, Superstar Mahesh Babu joins forces with Shortgun Games. (Photo credit: Press Release)
Actor Mahesh Babu has joined Mumbai-based game development studio Shortgun Games as a strategic investor, backing its ambition to build original Indian gaming franchises for international PC and console markets.
Founded by Jeet Chandan and Vidhit Mehta, Shortgun Games is developing titles exclusively for PC and modern consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The investment amount and Mahesh Babu's stake in the company have not been disclosed.
The studio's flagship project, PROJECT TAKEDOWN, is a narrative-driven action-adventure game being developed for international markets, including North America, Europe and the United Kingdom.
Mahesh Babu said, “India has extraordinary creative potential, and the time is right to build original characters and cinematic worlds from here that resonate across the globe.”
He added, “What drew me to this company is Jeet Chandan and Vidhit Mehta’s clarity of ambition and their drive to create high-end PC and console experiences that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international studio benchmarks.”
The studio's focus on PC and console platforms marks a deliberate shift from the mobile-led approach that has traditionally dominated India's gaming market. Shortgun Games aims to develop high-fidelity experiences and original intellectual properties that can appeal to global gaming audiences.
To strengthen PROJECT TAKEDOWN's action design, the studio has brought on board Indian action director Vicky Arora, whose credits include Uri: The Surgical Strike, RRR and Tanaav. His team is working on motion-capture choreography, combat pre-visualisation and physical stunt mechanics for the game.
Vidhit Mehta, Co-founder and Director of Shortgun Games, said, “We founded Shortgun Games with a singular focus- to prove that India can engineer world-class interactive entertainment for PC and modern consoles. Having Mahesh Babu sir come on board alongside Jeet and me as a strategic investor is an extraordinary milestone.”
Jeet Chandan, Co-founder and Director, said, “Our goal has always been to build durable, cross-media franchises that transcend regional boundaries. Mahesh Babu sir's trust in our roadmap provides a massive vote of confidence for our entire team.”
The collaboration brings together Indian cinema and game development as Shortgun Games looks to establish original Indian intellectual properties in the global premium gaming market.