FundingConsumer Internet & Media
Mahesh Babu backs Mumbai game studio Shortgun
By Abha Lohia · Editor ·
Strategic investmentMumbai
- Shortgun Games is a Mumbai studio making premium PC and console games aimed at players around the world
- Actor Mahesh Babu has bought a minority stake in the studio, though the amount was not shared
- Its first title, Project Takedown, is an action-adventure set in a future Mumbai, with release expected by the end of 2028
What happened
- Actor Mahesh Babu took a minority stake in Shortgun Games.
- The amount was not disclosed.
- The studio is building Project Takedown, a 10-15 hour action-adventure.
- The game is set in a near-future Mumbai.
- It targets PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Why it matters
- The studio wants to build a global PC gaming franchise from India.
- Its main audience is overseas, including the US, Europe and Japan.
- Celebrity backing adds visibility for a rare India-made premium game.
The business
- Shortgun Games is a Mumbai-based game developer.
- It makes premium story-led games for PC and consoles.
- Its flagship title is Project Takedown.
The founders
JC
Jeet Chandan
Co-founderVM
Vidhit Mehta
Co-founderWho put in money
- Mahesh Babu Investor — Tollywood actor
What happens next
- Project Takedown is expected to launch by end of 2028.
Terms in this story
- Strategic investor: A financial investor, such as a venture capital fund, backs a startup mainly to earn a return when it sells its shares. A strategic investor is usually an operating company that also wants a business benefit, such as access to a product, customers or technology. Their aims, and often their terms, differ.
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