Dwayne Johnson gets emotional as The Smashing Machine receives 15-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival

Dwayne Johnson's upcoming film The Smashing Machine, smashed its opening night premiere, quite literally. The drama based on legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr's life got a 15-minute-long standing ovation on Monday at the Venice Film Festival, moving the actor to tears.

Johnson underwent a tremendous transformation to play the UFC champion in the film about his life, his struggles with addiction, love and friendship.

Emily Blunt plays Kerr's wife Dawn Staples. She pairs up with her Jungle Cruise co-star in this film and also teams up with him for the Disney film's sequel. Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin and World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Oleksandr Usyk play supporting roles in Safdie's upcoming film. Following the premiere, the lead actors, along with Kerr shared warm embraces. Benny Safdie, popular for directing Uncut Gems and Good Time, has written and directed the film.

Apart from Kerr's glorious victories, The Smashing Machine also puts the spotlight on his extremely low moments and strained relationship with girlfriend and trainers. In 2002, Kerr was the subject of an HBO documentary also titled The Smashing Machine.

Kerr has won above two dozen MMA titles, including a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Championship and World Vale Tudo Championship.

Safdie will also produce the film under the Out for the Count banner alongside Eli Bush and David Koplan, with Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia's Seven Bucks Production.

The film is slated to release in theatres on October 3.