Post by : Meena Ariff

Assam’s cherished artist and music stalwart Zubeen Garg’s final film, Roi Roi Binale, will reach screens in 46 cities across India on October 31. The release is especially poignant for his many admirers, as production was completed following the musician’s untimely death last month in Singapore.

Across a 33-year career, Zubeen Garg—who died aged 52—lent his voice to songs in more than 40 languages and dialects, building a broad and enduring body of work. For audiences, Roi Roi Binale is more than a last appearance; it is the realization of a project he nurtured for years, centred on music, love and humane values.

A Film Close to Zubeen Garg’s Heart

Directed by Rajesh Bhuyan, the picture was a personal undertaking for Garg, who portrays a visually impaired musician onscreen. Bhuyan described finishing the film without its leading creative force as one of the toughest moments of his career.

"This was Zubeen’s final creative endeavour, and we are committed to bringing it to the public," Bhuyan said with visible emotion. "He left us before the premiere, but this movie was his vision and we are determined to honour it."

The storyline draws heavily on ideas close to Garg’s own outlook. Bhuyan noted that the musician had been developing the concept for nearly 19 years, and the script reflects his artistic convictions and personal ethos.

A Musical Tribute to the Legend

Music is central to Zubeen Garg’s legacy, and Roi Roi Binale aims to preserve that spirit. Composer Poran Borkatoky, who completed the film’s background score, said taking on the responsibility felt deeply significant.

"Zubeen had intended to score the film himself. Being asked to finish this work was an emotional responsibility," Borkatoky explained. "Our generation learned music through Zubeen. We have tried to weave those lessons into the soundtrack."

Script Rooted in Zubeen’s Vision

Rahul Gautam Sharma, the scriptwriter, collaborated with Zubeen from 2022 to develop the narrative. Sharma said the script captures the late artist’s cultural, social and political sensibilities.

"I spent nearly three years writing this film. It channels what Zubeen believed in—his approach to art, his social stands, and his message of harmony," Sharma said. "The hardest part is moving forward without his final input."

A Romantic Story of Love and Music

Roi Roi Binale is billed as Assam’s first comprehensive musical feature. Bhuyan characterises it as a gentle romantic drama built around songs and emotion rather than action.

"Zubeen wanted a film rooted in love and music, free from violence and spectacle," the director said. "He trusted audiences would respond to the sincerity of the tale and its melodies."

Team Speaks About the Emotional Journey

Co-star Achurjya Borpatra said he feels privileged to have worked with the late icon. "Being part of Zubeen Da’s final film is a rare honour. He was an inspiration to many of us and collaborating with him will stay with me," he reflected.

Editor Pratim Khaund shared similar sentiments, noting the depth of Garg’s involvement. "Accepting his absence is hard. His presence was felt in every edit; we hope viewers sense him throughout the film," he added.

A Statewide Tribute to Assam’s Cultural Heartbeat

To acknowledge Zubeen Garg’s monumental contribution to Assam’s cultural life, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state will donate all GST proceeds from the film to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, the trust founded by Garg to support underprivileged artists and students.

In a mark of collective respect, cinemas across Assam will pause other screenings on October 31 to show only Roi Roi Binale as a statewide homage to the late musician.

From chart-topping Assamese numbers to memorable Hindi songs, Zubeen Garg’s influence on Indian music is far-reaching. His artistic path—from hits like "Ya Ali" to work in films such as Mission China and now Roi Roi Binale—has left a lasting imprint on multiple generations.

As theatres prepare for the film’s debut, fans and colleagues alike view Roi Roi Binale not merely as a farewell but as a celebration of an artist whose life was dedicated to music, love and humanity.

#Global