There is something quite special about watching a film that takes you back to a cinematic experience you thought you already knew, only to reveal an entirely different story behind it. And that’s precisely what I Play Rocky manages to do.

At a special screening hosted in Mumbai, with actor Kartik Aaryan joining the evening alongside the cinema chain’s leadership, there was already a sense of nostalgia and excitement surrounding a film that revisits one of the most iconic cinematic journeys of all time. The PVR INOX leadership also shared their personal association and memories of the Rocky franchise, making the evening an interesting celebration of cinema and its enduring influence.

But the real magic begins on screen.

Most of us know Rocky Balboa. We know the boxing gloves, the training montages, the unmistakable run through the streets and, of course, that iconic climb up the flight of stairs, arms raised in triumph. What many may not know is the extraordinary story of the man who brought this character to life, and the almost improbable journey that went into getting the original Rocky made.

I Play Rocky takes us back to that journey, following a young Sylvester Stallone as he battles rejection, financial uncertainty and an industry unwilling to take a chance on his screenplay. Yet, what makes this story particularly engaging is that Stallone isn’t simply fighting to get his film made. He is fighting for the right to play the very character he has created. Even when offered substantial money for his script, he refuses to let go of that one non-negotiable condition.

And the stakes aren’t his alone. The film brings alive the extraordinary faith and personal sacrifices of those who believed in the project, including the producers who were prepared to put their own financial security and even their house on the line to see this unlikely dream through. It is this collective leap of faith that adds another layer of emotion to the narrative. Behind every iconic film, there are often several people whose risks and contributions never receive the same recognition as the eventual success.

What makes I Play Rocky particularly enjoyable, however, is that it doesn’t get weighed down by its inspirational premise. There is drama, humour, tension and a wonderful sense of anticipation as we watch the pieces slowly come together. And for anyone who has grown up watching the original Rocky, the film offers several moments of sheer cinematic nostalgia. As familiar sequences are recreated, including Rocky’s celebrated run and the unforgettable flight of stairs, you can actually feel the audience reconnecting with those memories. The spontaneous claps and applause during these moments make the experience even more special. These are scenes that have long since become part of popular culture, and watching the story behind their creation unfold brings an entirely new appreciation for them.

Anthony Ippolito deserves particular mention for stepping into the shoes of a young Stallone. Beyond the physical resemblance, he brings a certain vulnerability, determination and restless energy to the character, making his portrayal engaging in its own right. It is no easy task to portray someone whose persona is so deeply etched in the minds of moviegoers, but Ippolito manages to hold his own and gives the story a convincing central performance. The supporting cast, too, contributes to the collective spirit of a film that is as much about the people who believed in Rocky as it is about the man who created him.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, I Play Rocky is ultimately a celebration of the filmmaking process itself: the uncertainty, the compromises others expect you to make, the people who stand by you and the sheer persistence required to turn an idea into something tangible. It is also a reminder that the stories behind the movies we love can be just as fascinating as the movies themselves.

The film releases in India on 13 November 2026, and my takeaway is that this is one for the big screen, particularly if you have a special place for the original Rocky. Even if you know the story of the Italian Stallion by heart, watching the making of that legend unfold offers a fresh perspective, plenty of entertainment and a few genuinely moving moments.

You walk away appreciating not just Rocky Balboa, but Sylvester Stallone, the people who stood beside him and everyone who dared to believe in a film that the world would eventually come to love.

Because sometimes the most extraordinary story isn’t the one playing out on screen, but the one that made it possible in the first place.

Watch the Official I Play Rocky Trailer on YouTube