The Assam cabinet has made a significant decision to contribute the state’s portion of Goods and Services Tax (GST) collected from the much-anticipated film ‘Roi Roi Binale’ to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation. This foundation, spearheaded by the renowned cultural icon Zubeen Garg, plays a vital role in supporting artists through healthcare emergencies and assisting students with educational funding.
The decision comes in the wake of Zubeen Garg’s passing. His latest film, ‘Roi Roi Binale,’ where he takes on the lead role of a blind singer, is scheduled for release on October 31. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma explained the GST mechanism, noting that the central government collects 18% GST on tickets priced above ₹100 and 5% on those below. The state receives half of this amount back from the Centre.
In consultation with Garg’s wife, Garrima, the cabinet resolved to direct Assam’s GST share from the film to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation. Sarma emphasized that this initiative will not only bolster the foundation’s ongoing charitable work but also uphold the very principles Zubeen Garg envisioned when he created it.
‘Roi Roi Binale’ is set for a wide release, premiering across more than 90 screens in Assam and an additional 70 screens in major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The film has generated immense excitement, with many theaters in Assam planning to exclusively screen it during its opening week, some even starting shows as early as 6 am. The strong advance booking trends indicate a record-breaking debut for the Assamese film industry, with shows for the first few days already reported as fully booked.