Channing Tatum’s ‘Roofman’ Sets OTT Release on Lionsgate Play After TIFF Acclaim
Mumbai, Dec 12: Channing Tatum’s highly praised film Roofman, inspired by an astonishing true story, is now set to make its digital debut in India. The movie will stream exclusively on Lionsgate Play from December 19, following its impressive world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Directed by Derek Cianfrance, the film also stars Kirsten Dunst and Peter Dinklage in pivotal roles.
TIFF Premiere Marked by Standing Ovation
When Roofman premiered at TIFF, the response was immediate and emotional. Audiences praised its quiet intensity and the film’s ability to explore hope, regret, and identity through intimate storytelling. Early reviews highlighted its balance of suspense and empathy, describing it as a “deeply human portrait told with restraint and grace.”
A True Story of a Fugitive Living in the Shadows
Roofman follows the remarkable true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former Army Ranger whose meticulously planned, non-violent robberies made him an unusual figure in criminal history. After a daring prison escape, Manchester secretly lived inside the rafters of a toy store, constructing a hidden world above families who shopped unaware of his presence.
The film traces his quiet routines, his yearning for connection, and the emotional weight of living unseen. These moments, set against the tension of impending capture, anchor Roofman in both suspense and introspection.
Channing Tatum on Stepping Into Jeffrey Manchester’s Mind
Tatum spent extensive time speaking with the real Jeffrey Manchester to understand his motivations, vulnerabilities, and regrets. Reflecting on these conversations, Tatum said Manchester was “deeply aware of the harm he caused,” adding that his honesty formed the emotional core of the performance.
Director Derek Cianfrance Blends Real-Life Voice Clips Into the Film
Cianfrance conducted more than 100 prison calls with Manchester and incorporated his real voice into the narration. The filmmaker said he approached the movie “as an investigator,” choosing to tell the story entirely from Manchester’s perspective to capture the subjectivity of his truth.
Official Synopsis
A charming fugitive hides inside a toy store, adopts a new identity, and unexpectedly falls for an employee. As his secret world collides with reality, he struggles between love, loyalty, and survival. Roofman blends crime, dark humour, and emotional depth in a story of redemption.
Our Thoughts
Roofman arrives at a time when audiences increasingly gravitate toward character-driven true stories. The film’s blend of tension, introspection, and real-life emotional depth sets it apart from typical crime dramas. Channing Tatum’s immersive performance, paired with Derek Cianfrance’s intimate storytelling approach, makes this OTT release one to watch. With its TIFF acclaim and strong emotional foundation, Roofman is likely to resonate strongly with Indian viewers on Lionsgate Play.e.