Fans throng theatres before daybreak for icon’s last film

Guwahati: Long before the first rays of the sun touched the Brahmaputra, Assam was already awake. Streets that usually slumbered until sunrise buzzed with quiet anticipation, not for work or prayer — but for a film.At 3 am, queues began forming outside theatres across the state. By 4:25 am, the first shows of ‘Roi Roi Binale’ (which means lamenting in pauses) — Zubeen Garg’s final film released posthumously following his tragic death in Singapore on Sept 19 — were packed.Some came wrapped in shawls, others with flowers in hand. All came with hearts full of emotions. Zubeen’s personal favourite ‘Mayabini’ and songs from his new film reverberated outside the theatres, making moviegoers emotional.

Zubeen’s final cinematic masterpiece premiered on screens nationwide in a synchronised release that felt more like a movement than a movie launch.From toddlers clutching popcorn buckets to elderly patrons leaning on canes, and even specially-abled individuals arriving with quiet determination — everyone came together, united by emotion and admiration. Theatres overflowed with humanity, each person eager to witness the swan song of a beloved artist.

Tears flowed freely as audiences emerged from the halls, their hearts heavy and eyes glistening.The director of the film, Rajesh Bhuyan, said, “It is for the first time in the history of Assam that film screenings began at theatres before sunrise. This will be remembered forever alongside Zubeen. The film has not only entertained — it has touched souls. Everyone shed tears as they could connect with their beloved icon through the film.”

He added that the film’s title track — ‘Roi Roi Binale’ — is a recreation of the song from Zubeen’s 1998 ‘Sobdo’ album.

“Through the title of the film and the title track, an attempt has been made to reflect the hopeful wait for something good after facing something painful,” he added.On the other hand, in a rare show of unity, leaders from across the political spectrum, including cabinet ministers, joined the people in theatres across the state.

For the day, cinema transcended politics, age, and ability — becoming a shared space of remembrance, reverence, and raw emotion. Zubeen’s wife Garima, younger sister Palme Borthakur, and other family members, watched the film at a theatre on Friday evening, keeping a seat between Garima and Palme vacant for Zubeen.CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said he will also be watching the movie soon. “I will watch the movie a few days later as my visit to the theatres may inconvenience the public.

We will request Jonaki Hall in Guwahati to organise a special screening for us,” he told reporters.Assam cabinet on Wednesday decided that the govt will hand over the state’s share of GST from ‘Roi Roi Binale’ to ‘Kalaguru Artiste Foundation’, set up by the singer for the welfare of the downtrodden.With tickets for all shows for the next one week sold out, Zubeen’s musical is expected to break all past box office records for Assamese cinema. Most halls have scheduled up to seven shows a day, running till the early hours of the next day to cater to the high demand. Zubeen, who played the lead character in the movie, is also the producer of the film.