Indian Studio Unveils 'Mukti' Game Trailer With Film Actors

Mumbai-based underDOGS Studio released a live-action reveal trailer Thursday for its upcoming narrative adventure game "Mukti," showcasing filmed performances by prominent Indian actors ahead of the game's 2026 launch as part of Sony's PlayStation India Hero Project.

The "Mukti - Live-Action Reveal Trailer" demonstrates the studio's unconventional approach, featuring the actors in cinematic sequences rather than traditional animation or motion capture. The performances represent a departure from typical video game cameos, serving as the game's emotional foundation rather than brief appearances, the studio said. underDOGS filmed the actors in what it calls a "film-sequence style" and integrated those scenes into the interactive gameplay.

"These aren't cameos. They are the emotional core of 'Mukti,'" said Vaibhav Chavan, founder and chief executive of underDOGS Studio to Variety. "Every performance was treated like cinema, carefully directed and seamlessly integrated into the game."

The cast includes Ahilya Bamroo, known for "I Want to Talk," in the lead role of Arya Roy. Theater veteran M.K. Raina plays Dr. Vikram Roy, while Pawan Chopra portrays Commodore Balraj Gill and Sraman Chatterjee plays Hasan.

Sony's India Hero Project represents the company's broader strategy to support local developers in creating games with global appeal while tapping into India's growing gaming market. The initiative has previously supported several Indian studios in developing content that reflects regional culture and storytelling traditions.

"Mukti" will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC platforms, featuring dual-language voice acting in English and Hindi, with subtitles in additional languages to reach international markets. The multilingual approach reflects the studio's ambition to appeal to both domestic and global audiences.

The game combines mystery elements with Indian cultural themes, positioning it as part of a growing trend of culturally specific gaming content that seeks broader market appeal. The project represents underDOGS Studio's most ambitious undertaking to date, blending traditional filmmaking techniques with interactive entertainment.

The integration of filmed performances into video games has gained traction in recent years, with studios seeking to create more cinematic experiences that blur the lines between movies and interactive entertainment. The approach could signal a new direction for Indian game development, which has traditionally focused on mobile gaming rather than narrative-driven console experiences.