The Assam government has directed the police to take strict action against those involved in pirating Roi Roi Binale, the final cinematic project of late singer and actor Zubeen Garg. The film, which released 11 days ago, has been widely circulated online through unauthorised uploads and downloads.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking to reporters during a visit to Dhubri on Monday, said the government has taken the issue seriously and instructed police to identify and prosecute those responsible. “We are concerned about the issue and have directed the police to take strict action against perpetrators. I also appeal to the people of Assam not to indulge in such dubious work and to inform the nearest police station if they know anyone doing it,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s comments come as the film’s cast and crew intensify their anti-piracy efforts. On Sunday, members of the Roi Roi Binale team visited the Cyber Crime Office at Pan Bazar, Guwahati, to file a formal complaint.
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Director Rajesh Bhuyan said the piracy had deeply hurt the team’s sentiments, calling it a betrayal of Zubeen Garg’s memory. “By pirating Zubeen Garg’s final gift, the perpetrators have shattered his dream and caused his soul immense grief. We have already lodged a complaint at the Cyber Police Station and appeal to everyone to watch the film in theatres; the way it was meant to be experienced,” Bhuyan said during a screening at Jorhat’s Elley Cinema Hall on Monday.
Bhuyan added that short clips of the film had initially been mistaken for fan tributes before full-length pirated versions began appearing online. “We thought people were sharing short snippets out of love and remembrance. But soon, the entire film was pirated and uploaded online. That’s really unfortunate,” he said, urging digital platforms, authorities and audiences to unite against piracy, which he described as a growing threat to Assam’s film industry.
Meanwhile, a special screening of Roi Roi Binale was organised at Elley Cinema Hall in Jorhat for specially-abled children from Jorhat Pratibandi Vidyalaya. The film, released to an emotional response from audiences across the state, has been widely seen as a tribute to Zubeen Garg’s legacy and his long contribution to Assamese cinema and music.
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