The state of Assam and Assamese communities worldwide are experiencing a unique blend of celebration and sorrow following the release of ‘Roi Roi Binale,’ the final film starring the iconic singer-actor Zubeen Garg. The movie, whose title translates to ‘Tears Keep Flowing,’ premiered on October 31, exactly 42 days after Garg’s untimely death at the age of 52 in Singapore. The release, which occurred on his originally scheduled date, was marked by an extraordinary number of screenings – 600 shows across 91 cinemas, including early morning shows starting at 4:25 am. This extensive release spans 91 cinemas across 12 states, reaching major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and many others, setting a new record for an Assamese film.
Despite the lingering grief and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of his death, the public’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many cinemas were transformed into impromptu tributes, adorned with photographs, garlands, and lamps. Some even kept a seat vacant for the late artist during screenings.
‘Roi Roi Binale,’ a musical drama, features Zubeen Garg in the lead role as a blind singer. The film is based on a story penned by Garg himself, who also composed the music. Directed by Rajesh Bhuyan, the movie was produced by Garg and his wife, Garrima Saikia Garg. Rajib Bora, the general secretary of the All Assam Cinema Hall Owners Association, reported that tickets for most shows in the first week are already sold out, highlighting the immense demand.
The film’s release has been a significant event, with some new cinemas opening their doors and older single-screen theaters being renovated specifically for ‘Roi Roi Binale.’ Several organizations have also booked entire shows. Siddharth Goenka of Goenka Enterprises, the film’s distributor, noted the historic nationwide release of an Assamese film.
Assam has been in mourning since Garg’s passing, with vast crowds gathering to pay their respects. The film’s release has provided an emotional outlet for fans, with audiences spontaneously singing his popular songs, like ‘Mayabini,’ and many moved to tears during screenings.
Film critics and viewers have praised the movie, with one attendee noting Zubeen’s heartfelt performance and the film’s touching message for the Assamese people: ‘We can swim, if we stay together.’
Industry experts predict ‘Roi Roi Binale’ will break existing box office records for Assamese cinema, with conservative estimates suggesting it could gross over ₹50 crore, significantly surpassing the previous record of ₹15.75 crore set by ‘Bidurbhai’ in 2024.
In recognition of Zubeen Garg’s contributions, the Assam cabinet has decided to donate the state’s GST share from the film’s earnings to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, an organization founded by Garg to support artists, provide flood relief, and assist students financially.
Meanwhile, parallel investigations are being conducted in Singapore and Assam to determine the cause of Zubeen Garg’s drowning. Seven individuals, including his manager, cousin, band members, and security personnel, are currently in detention.