The Assam cabinet on Wednesday announced that the state’s share of Goods and Services Tax (GST) collected from Zubeen Garg’s upcoming movie, Roi Roi Binale, will be directed to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, a charitable initiative established by the late singer and cultural icon. The decision was made in consultation with Garg’s wife, Garrima, and aims to continue the philanthropic and cultural work that Garg championed during his lifetime.

Zubeen Garg, aged 52, passed away last month in Singapore under circumstances that remain under investigation through two separate probes. Roi Roi Binale, in which Garg plays the role of a blind singer, is scheduled for release on October 31 across more than 90 screens in Assam, as well as around 70 screens in major Indian cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma explained the financial mechanics behind the move. The central government collects GST at 18% on movie tickets priced above ₹100 and 5% on tickets priced below that threshold. Of this amount, half — 9% and 2.5% respectively — is returned to the state government after a month. The cabinet decided that this returned share from Garg’s final film would be allocated to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, which supports artists during healthcare emergencies, provides flood relief, and offers financial assistance to students for education. Sarma emphasized that this measure will help sustain the foundation’s work and uphold the ideals with which Garg had initiated it.

The release of Roi Roi Binale is expected to be a landmark event for Assamese cinema. Most single-screen theatres and multiplexes across Assam have cleared their schedules to screen the film exclusively during its first week. Several theatres have adjusted their show timings, with the earliest screenings starting at 6 am and the last shows running until midnight, reflecting the high anticipation surrounding Garg’s final cinematic performance.

Even theatres in smaller towns, some of which have remained closed for years due to low business activity, have reopened to accommodate the film, highlighting the cultural significance of Garg’s legacy. Pre-release ticket trends on platforms such as BookMyShow indicate that nearly all shows for the first three to four days are fully booked, signaling a record-breaking opening for Assamese cinema.

By directing the state’s GST share to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, the Assam government not only honors Zubeen Garg’s contribution to art and culture but also strengthens the foundation’s capacity to provide assistance to artists, students, and communities in need. The move underscores the state’s commitment to preserving the legacy of one of Assam’s most celebrated cultural figures, ensuring that his philanthropic vision continues to benefit future generations.

The release of Roi Roi Binale carries both artistic and sentimental significance. As Garg’s final performance as a singer, composer, poet, filmmaker, and actor, the film is anticipated to draw large crowds and generate widespread interest across Assam and other cities. The cabinet’s decision to allocate the GST proceeds to the foundation guarantees that the cultural and social impact of Garg’s work will continue beyond his lifetime, inspiring artists and students while reinforcing the value of philanthropy in the arts.

With theatres going to extraordinary lengths to accommodate the release, including exclusive screenings and extended show timings, the film is expected to create a significant cultural moment in Assam. This approach not only highlights the state’s appreciation for Garg’s artistic contributions but also demonstrates the government’s proactive role in supporting cultural initiatives that benefit the wider community.

Overall, the Assam government’s initiative to contribute the GST proceeds from Roi Roi Binale to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation ensures that Zubeen Garg’s enduring legacy continues to support the artistic and educational aspirations of the people of Assam, keeping his memory alive in a meaningful and impactful way.