Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu has entered the gaming business, acquiring a minority stake in Mumbai startup Shortgun Games for an undisclosed sum. The actor revealed the investment himself on social media, marking his first move into an industry beyond film.
The announcement lands as India’s gaming sector gains momentum globally. Homegrown studios increasingly target international audiences with console and PC titles, reversing a long history of mobile-first development. Shortgun Games sits squarely within that shift.
Founded by Jeet Chandan and Vidhit Mehta, the company is building its debut project, Project Takedown. The title runs 10 to 15 hours as an action-adventure experience set in a near-future version of Mumbai. Development targets PC plus modern consoles, specifically PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. No mobile version has been announced.
Shortgun Games intends to compete in markets like the United States, Europe, and Japan, not just domestically. To sharpen its cinematic action, the studio enlisted Vicky Arora, the action director behind blockbusters RRR and Uri. The team plans a launch by the end of 2028.
Mahesh Babu voiced strong confidence in India’s creative workforce, calling his entry into gaming an exciting new chapter. Meanwhile, his film slate remains packed. He currently works with director SS Rajamouli on the tentatively titled Varanasi, scheduled for theatrical release on April 7, 2027.
The investment signals growing crossover between Indian entertainment and interactive media. If Project Takedown delivers on its global ambitions, it could pave the way for more celebrity-backed studios in the region.
