Fans across Assam turned movie theatres into spaces of mourning and celebration on Friday as Zubeen Garg’s final film, Roi Roi Binale, released 42 days after his death. The late singer, composer, lyricist, actor, and filmmaker—one of Assam’s most beloved cultural icons—had planned the release himself for October 31, but passed away in Singapore on September 19. Despite his untimely death, his family and the production team decided to honour his wish by going ahead with the release as scheduled.

Across the state, theatres were filled with emotional fans carrying flowers, lighting lamps, and placing garlands around Garg’s portraits. Some theatre owners even left a seat vacant in every hall to symbolically mark the artist’s presence.

Massive turnout across Assam

In Guwahati alone, the response was overwhelming. The city witnessed 179 shows on opening day, with the first screening beginning as early as 4:25am and the last one scheduled for 11:50pm. The queues outside multiplexes and single-screen halls extended for blocks as fans waited in the rain to watch their idol’s swan song.

The All Assam Cinema Hall Owners Association confirmed that the film had opened in over 90 theatres and multiplexes across the state, setting a record for Assamese cinema. General secretary Rajib Bora said that nearly all shows for the first week were sold out. “The response has been extraordinary. This is not just a movie release; it’s a collective farewell to a legend,” Bora said.

The enthusiasm extended beyond Assam. Roi Roi Binale was simultaneously released in more than 70 theatres across India, including major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi—another unprecedented achievement for an Assamese film.

In several towns, new theatres were inaugurated ahead of schedule solely to screen the movie, while some old halls were repaired and reopened. Community groups, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), booked entire shows as a tribute to Garg.

A deeply personal film

Directed by Rajesh Bhuyan, Roi Roi Binale stars Garg as a visually-impaired singer navigating personal and societal challenges. The project was deeply personal to the late artist—he not only wrote and acted in the film but also composed its music and produced it alongside his wife, Garrima Saikia Garg.

The film’s trailer had already generated a surge of emotion among fans. One striking scene shows Garg lying unconscious on a beach as someone tries to revive him—a moment eerily reminiscent of the real circumstances surrounding his death.

According to early viewers, the film explores themes of resilience, hope, and unity, set against the backdrop of Assam’s socio-political realities. “It felt like Garg poured his entire soul into this movie,” said Upakul Sarmah, deputy registrar at Bhattadev University. “He tackled sensitive issues—like the exploitation of children in conflicts—with honesty and compassion. His message was clear: Assamese people must stand together if they want to rise above hardship.”

Emotional scenes at theatres

For many, watching Roi Roi Binale was more than entertainment—it was an act of remembrance. Before entering theatres, fans bowed before Garg’s garlanded photographs. In several halls, audiences spontaneously stood up to sing Mayabini, one of Garg’s most loved songs, before the movie began. When the lights came up, many were seen wiping tears or quietly weeping.

The collective emotion underscored how deeply Garg’s work had shaped Assamese identity. Over the past two decades, he had transcended roles—singer, poet, director, social activist—to become a cultural force whose songs and ideals resonated across generations.

Anticipated record-breaking box office

Given the extraordinary turnout, industry insiders predict that Roi Roi Binale will shatter all box-office records in Assamese cinema. The current record-holder, Bidurbhai (2024), grossed ₹15.75 crore. Bora believes Garg’s final film could far surpass that figure. “It’s difficult to predict exact numbers, but we estimate it could earn more than ₹50 crore,” he said confidently.

The government, too, has acknowledged Garg’s unmatched contribution to Assam’s cultural landscape. On Wednesday, the Assam Cabinet announced that the state’s share of tax collected from the movie will be donated to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation—a charitable organisation founded by Garg to provide emergency financial aid to artists, fund flood relief, and support students in need.

Legacy and ongoing investigation

Millions had turned up to pay their last respects during Garg’s funeral in September, and his cremation site is now being developed into a memorial. Even in death, his presence continues to unite people across linguistic and social divides.

Meanwhile, investigations into Garg’s death are still underway in both Singapore and Assam. Authorities are probing the “suspicious circumstances” surrounding his demise. Seven people—including his manager, cousin, an event organiser, two band members, and two security guards—have been taken into custody in connection with the case.

Despite the uncertainty and grief, Friday’s scenes in Assam reflected something rare: a fusion of sorrow, pride, and collective celebration. For many fans, Roi Roi Binale is not just Zubeen Garg’s last film—it is his final message to the people who loved him.

As audiences emerged from darkened halls, some carrying flowers and others humming his melodies, one sentiment was shared by all: Zubeen Garg may be gone, but his voice will echo through Assam for generations.