MUMBAI: The last month of the year has had three good releases, one better than the other as far as box-office collections go.

First, it was AB Corp’s Paa that brought to the fore the acting capabilities of the 65-plus Amitabh Bachchan when he played a 13-year-old child. Then we had James Cameron’s Avatar that has supposedly broken box-office records of its Hollywood contemporaries 2012 and The Spiderman in India.

But the Christmas opening of 3 Idiots has brought in a big cheer in industry circles, mopping up over Rs 140 million at the box-office on its opening day of its theatrical release.

Says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, “3 Idiots has seen the biggest starts ever, collecting Rs. 25 milion in paid previews on Thursday. Comparatively, the paid preview collections of Ghajini were Rs 16 million net. And the film has had a solid first day opening, with estimates pegged at box-office collections of Rs 140 million.” 

Multiplex players, who have had a tough year with content, expect the movie to emerge as the biggest hit this fiscal. Says Cinemax vice president Devang Sampat, “The film is doing exceptional business. As per our properties, all I can say is that each one has broken its own previous records as far as the box-office returns of the opening day are concerned. To me, 3 Idiots will stand as the biggest hit of 2009.”

Adds Delhi-based PVR Cinemas CEO Amitabh Vardhan, “This is one of the best openings this year in terms of theatrical revenues. Going by the advance booking numbers, we believe the film will continue with its success story in the days to come.”

Made on a budget of Rs 350 million and distributed by Reliance Big Pictures, 3 Idiots has been released with 1894 prints, of which 1550 is for the Indian market.

Interestingly, Khan‘s superhit Ghajini was released during the same time of last year.

Says Reliance Big Pictures domestic distribution head Kamal Gianchandani, "The opening of the film is phenomenal and is currently on its way to become the highest-ever opening weekend grosser."