Bollywood Handball Vanguard (BHV) represents India's first major attempt to create a globally competitive sports video game that resonates with Indian culture. Launched in 2022 by Mumbai-based studio DesiGames, this mobile-first title combines fast-paced handball mechanics with Bollywood-style visuals, music, and character designs.
The game features customizable avatars inspired by Bollywood stars, complete with traditional Indian attire options like kurtas, sarees, and turbans. Matches take place in iconic Indian locations such as the Gateway of India, Taj Mahal grounds, and specially designed Bollywood film sets.
With over 5.2 million downloads in India alone within its first year, BHV has become the country's most popular non-cricket sports game, appealing to both casual gamers and sports enthusiasts looking for alternatives to international franchises.
BHV features 3v3 fast-paced handball matches lasting 3 minutes each, designed specifically for mobile play sessions. The controls are optimized for touch screens:
What sets BHV apart are its Bollywood-themed power-ups that appear during matches:
The career mode follows an Indian rags-to-riches story where players start in local village tournaments and progress to national championships, eventually earning a Bollywood contract that transforms their avatar into a gaming celebrity.
BHV offers full localization in 12 Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Urdu, and Assamese. This ensures accessibility across the country's linguistic diversity.
The game is packed with Indian cultural nods:
DesiGames releases state-specific updates featuring:
BHV includes several Indian social gaming features:
The game has developed a thriving Indian esports ecosystem:
The community contributes through:
Players from Tamil Nadu and Kerala dominate with their quick passing and dribbling skills. Top tip: Use the "Thalaiva Move" (special dribble) to fake out defenders.
Northern players excel at physical gameplay. The "Bhangra Block" (special defensive move) is particularly effective against aerial shots.
Kolkata players are known for their accurate long shots. Master the "Durga Strike" (curved shot) to score from impossible angles.
Local events are organized through: