The Smashing Machine out on OTT in India: Here's where you can stream Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt's gritty biopic

The Smashing Machine hits Prime Video India. Dwayne Johnson shines as MMA legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s gritty, award-winning biopic exploring the dark side of sports and addiction.

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in a still from The Smashing Machine

Benny Safdie's sports drama The Smashing Machine finally made it to OTT in India after a critically lauded but financially modest theatrical run in late 2025. Prime Video subscribers will be able to watch the film in which Dwayne Johnson gave a performance that many hailed as a career-defining turn. A wider audience in India will be able to see the actor's departure from his customary high-octane blockbuster performances thanks to the film's internet debut, which follows its international trajectory.

Whose life and career does The Smashing Machine depict?

The autobiographical drama The Smashing Machine is about the life of the late Mark Kerr, a legendary mixed martial artist and two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. The story follows Kerr as he rises through the ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the Pride Fighting Championships (Japan) during the "no-holds-barred" era, which mainly occurred between 1997 and 2000.

In contrast to the usual sports biopics that gloss over Kerr's less-than-glamorous side, Safdie's screenplay explores several aspects. The film shows Kerr's battle with painkillers in an unfiltered way, showing how the sport's physical demands caused a terrible addiction. Emily Blunt's character, Dawn Staples, plays a pivotal role in the film, which focuses on Kerr's tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend.

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What internal conflicts define the protagonist’s journey in The Smashing Machine?

Coming to terms with his frailties, the protagonist of The Smashing Machine (a man-machine designed for demolition) struggles with the emotional and mental burdens of his identity crisis.

Safdie, who helmed Uncut Gems and Good Time alongside David Fincher, makes his directing debut in this film. Safdie's trademark "verité" style, characterised by its understated cinematography and realistic, observing attitude towards the action scenes, remains true to the film.

How did Dwayne Johnson physically and artistically transform for his role in The Smashing Machine?

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's metamorphosis is still the film's biggest talking point. Using prosthetic makeup by Oscar-winning Kazu Hiro, Johnson is nearly unrecognisable as Kerr. Critics praised the actor for his vulnerability and quiet performance after he shed his "The Rock" character.

In her work as Dawn Staples, Blunt garnered much acclaim. Her character frequently finds herself at odds with Kerr as they both struggle with addiction and the demands of his career. The addition of real-life mixed martial artists like heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and actor Ryan Bader (who plays Mark Coleman) makes the fight scenes more realistic.

How has The Smashing Machine fared at the box office?

The film failed to live up to its $50 million budget, earning only about $21 million globally, despite a "generally positive" critical reception. However, it's anticipated that its streaming presence will heighten its prominence during the ongoing 2026 awards season. Safdie won a Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival for directing, while Johnson has received nods at the Astra Film Awards and Golden Globes.

The film presents an alternative to the typical "hagiographic" sports biopics seen in Indian cinema by taking a sombre, forthright, and, in the end, human perspective on a sports legend.

The Smashing Machine FAQs:

Q: Where can I watch The Smashing Machine in India?

A: As of January 16, 2026, The Smashing Machine is officially available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in India. Users with a valid Prime subscription can stream the film in its original English version with multiple subtitle options.

Q: Is The Smashing Machine based on a true story?

A: Yes. The Smashing Machine is a biographical drama based on the life of Mark Kerr, a legendary American mixed martial artist and former UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Q: Who plays Mark Coleman in The Smashing Machine?

A: The role of Mark Coleman, Kerr’s close friend and fellow MMA pioneer, is played by professional MMA fighter and former Bellator champion Ryan Bader.

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