Zubeen Garg’s Final Film Roi Roi Binale to Release on Oct 31 in 46 Cities

Roi Roi Binale, the final film featuring Assam’s celebrated musician Zubeen Garg, is scheduled to release in 46 Indian cities on October 31. The project reached completion after Garg’s untimely death in Singapore and will be presented as a tribute to his career.

Across a 33-year career, Garg—who died aged 52—lent his voice to songs in over 40 languages and dialects. For audiences, this film represents both his last screen appearance and the realisation of a long-held creative ambition: a movie centred on music, love and human values.

A Project He Cherished

Directed by Rajesh Bhuyan, the film was closely tied to Garg’s personal vision; he portrays a visually impaired musician. Bhuyan called finishing the film without Garg one of the most emotionally taxing tasks he has faced.

“This was Zubeen’s final work and we are committed to releasing it,” Bhuyan said, speaking about the decision to move forward. “He passed away before seeing it released. We will honour his wish and present the film as he intended.”

Bhuyan noted that the concept had been with Garg for nearly two decades and that the story reflects many of the artist’s creative and philosophical convictions.

Music as Tribute

Music remains central to Garg’s legacy, and Roi Roi Binale preserves that focus. Poran Borkatoky completed the background score after Garg’s passing, describing the assignment as a heavy yet meaningful responsibility.

“Zubeen was originally meant to work on the background music. It was deeply moving when Rajesh asked me to finish it,” Borkatoky said, adding that their generation learned much from Garg’s music and sought to channel that influence into the film’s soundtrack.

Script Mirroring His Views

Screenwriter Rahul Gautam Sharma collaborated with Garg from 2022 to develop the screenplay. Sharma said the film embodies the late artist’s artistic, social and political perspectives.

“I have spent almost three years on the script. It captures what Zubeen stood for—his artistic stance, his political outlook, and his calls for unity,” Sharma said, noting the team regrets he cannot offer final input.

A Musical Romance

Roi Roi Binale is positioned as Assam’s first full-scale musical feature, described by Bhuyan as a gentle romantic drama built around songs and emotion rather than action.

“Zubeen wanted a film focused on love and music, without violence or spectacle. He believed viewers would connect with its sincerity,” the director explained.

Cast and Crew Reflect

Actor Achurjya Borpatra, who appears opposite Garg, said he felt privileged to be part of the project. “I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Zubeen Da. He was an icon and this experience will stay with me,” he said.

Editor Pratim Khaund expressed similar sentiments, adding, “Accepting his absence is hard. Zubeen’s influence shaped every frame; we hope audiences sense his presence throughout the film.”

Statewide Homage

Recognising Garg’s cultural contribution, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state would contribute all GST revenue from the film to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, the organisation Garg founded to support disadvantaged artists and students.

In a mark of respect, cinemas across Assam will exclusively screen Roi Roi Binale from October 31, pausing other film showings for the release period.

From chart-topping regional hits to national film songs, Zubeen Garg’s influence on Indian music was wide-reaching. As theatres prepare for the film’s release, Roi Roi Binale is being presented not only as his final work but as a celebration of his devotion to music and humanity.