Zubeen Garg’s Last Film Roi Roi Binale to Open in 46 Cities on October 31

Post by : Mina Rahman

Assam's celebrated musician and cultural figure Zubeen Garg's final cinematic work, Roi Roi Binale, is scheduled to release across 46 Indian cities on October 31. The film's completion and release come in the wake of Garg's death last month in Singapore, making the premiere a poignant moment for his audience.

Across a 33-year career, the late artist, who was 52, performed in over 40 languages and dialects, leaving a broad musical footprint. For many admirers, Roi Roi Binale is both his last screen appearance and the realisation of a long-held creative ambition centred on love, music and human values.

A Film Close to Zubeen Garg's Heart

Directed by Rajesh Bhuyan, the project was a personal endeavour for Garg, who portrays a visually impaired musician in the film. Bhuyan said completing the production without him posed one of the toughest tests of his career.

'This was Zubeen's final undertaking and we are committed to bringing it to audiences,' Bhuyan said, noting the team's determination to honour the artist's wish despite his untimely departure.

Bhuyan also revealed that Garg had envisioned the film for nearly 19 years, and that its storyline closely mirrors his creative outlook and convictions.

A Musical Tribute to the Legend

Music remains central to Garg's legacy, and Roi Roi Binale emphasises that musical core. The film's background score was completed by Poran Borkatoky, who described finishing the work left unfinished by Garg as a solemn responsibility.

'Zubeen was intended to compose the background music himself. Being asked to complete it was deeply moving,' Borkatoky said, adding that his generation learned from Garg's artistry and sought to reflect that influence in the soundtrack.

Script Rooted in Zubeen's Vision

Scriptwriter Rahul Gautam Sharma collaborated with Zubeen from 2022 to shape the narrative. Sharma said the screenplay channels the late musician's artistic priorities as well as his social and political perspectives.

'I've been developing this script for nearly three years. It captures Zubeen's stance on art, his political sensibilities and his call for unity and peace,' Sharma said, adding that it is painful the late artist is not present to review the final film.

A Romantic Story of Love and Music

Roi Roi Binale is positioned as Assam's first full-scale musical feature. Bhuyan described it as a gentle romantic drama that relies on songs and emotion rather than action sequences.

'Zubeen wanted a film focused on love, music and melody. It intentionally avoids violence; its appeal lies in emotional sincerity,' the director explained.

Team Speaks About the Emotional Journey

Actor Achurjya Borpatra, who appears opposite Garg, expressed gratitude for his role in the project. 'I consider myself privileged to be part of Zubeen Da's final film. Working with him is something I'll remember always,' he said.

Editor Pratim Khaund reflected on the challenge of finalising footage without Garg. 'Accepting his absence has been difficult. His imprint was visible in every frame and we hope viewers sense his presence through the film,' Khaund added.

A Statewide Tribute to Assam's Cultural Heartbeat

In recognition of Zubeen Garg's contributions to Assam's cultural life, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the state government will donate all GST proceeds from the film to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, which Garg founded to assist disadvantaged artists and students.

As a mark of respect, cinema halls across Assam will pause other releases and screen only Roi Roi Binale from October 31 as a collective tribute.

From popular Assamese songs to memorable Hindi tracks, Zubeen Garg's influence on the Indian music scene is substantial. As theatres prepare for the film's debut, fans and colleagues view Roi Roi Binale as a commemoration of an artist whose work celebrated music, love and humanity.