Indian cinema superstar Mahesh Babu has joined Mumbai-based game development studio Shortgun Games as a strategic investor, partnering with co-founders Jeet Chandan and Vidhit Mehta to develop original PC and console games for global audiences.
Announced on November 3, 2026, the collaboration aims to bring Indian storytelling to international gaming markets through original intellectual properties designed for PC and modern consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The partnership’s main focus is PROJECT TAKEDOWN, a high-budget, action-adventure game built around a narrative-driven experience. Shortgun Games aims to position the title for international markets, including North America, Europe and the United Kingdom.
Mahesh Babu Backs Shortgun Games’ PC and Console Ambitions
Shortgun Games was founded by Jeet Chandan and Vidhit Mehta with a focus on developing premium interactive entertainment exclusively for PC and console platforms.
While much of India’s digital entertainment industry has traditionally focused on mobile gaming, the founders have chosen to build for the PC and console segments. Their aim is to develop high-quality game worlds, detailed gameplay systems and cinematic experiences that can compete with international titles.
Mahesh Babu said he was drawn to the founders’ ambition and their plan to create high-end gaming experiences that meet global standards.
He described interactive entertainment as a space where storytelling, technology and global culture come together. He also highlighted India’s creative potential and the opportunity to develop original characters and cinematic worlds that can connect with audiences worldwide.
The actor said he looks forward to supporting the studio and its vision, beginning with PROJECT TAKEDOWN.
Action Director Vicky Arora to Lead Game’s Combat Design
To develop the action sequences for PROJECT TAKEDOWN, Shortgun Games has brought on Indian action director Vicky Arora, whose credits include URI: The Surgical Strike, RRR and TANAAV.
Arora and his team are leading the game’s action design, including motion-capture choreography, combat pre-visualisation and physical stunt mechanics.
The studio is combining live stunt techniques with digital character development to create realistic combat sequences and fluid action gameplay. This approach is intended to bring a level of action design more commonly associated with large international game development and publishing studios.
Founders Aim to Build Indian Gaming Franchises for Global Markets
Vidhit Mehta, Co-Founder and Director of Shortgun Games, said Mahesh Babu’s involvement as a strategic investor marks an important milestone for the studio.
He said the founders started the company with the goal of demonstrating that an Indian studio can develop world-class interactive entertainment for PC and modern consoles. According to Mehta, Mahesh Babu’s understanding of storytelling, emotional connection and audience engagement adds value to the studio’s vision for PROJECT TAKEDOWN.
Jeet Chandan, Co-Founder and Director of Shortgun Games, said the company’s broader ambition is to build long-lasting entertainment franchises that can reach audiences beyond regional markets.
He added that Mahesh Babu’s confidence in the studio’s roadmap would help it strengthen its technical capabilities, bring in creative talent and maintain high development standards.
Shortgun Games’ Wider Development Pipeline
Alongside PROJECT TAKEDOWN, Shortgun Games is also working on Roll ’em Out, an independent cooperative gaming experience.
The Mumbai-based studio describes itself as a premium interactive entertainment developer focused exclusively on PC and console ecosystems. Its development pipeline includes cinematic adventure games as well as cooperative indie titles.
With Mahesh Babu joining as a strategic investor, Shortgun Games aims to expand its capabilities and build original Indian gaming intellectual properties for international audiences. The partnership also reflects an effort to bring the country’s storytelling and creative talent into the global PC and console gaming industry.
-By Shivani Solanki
