MUMBAI: The paid preview shows of 3 Idiots have collected an estimated amount of Rs 23.70 million (Rs 2.37 crore) net in India on Thursday evening, which is the highest ever so far.

The paid preview collections of Ghajini were Rs 16 million (Rs 1.60 crore) net.

According to information available with Businessofcinema.com, the circuit wise collections of 3 Idiots paid preview is as follows:

Nizam: Rs 35 lakh

CP, CI & Rajasthan: Rs 30 lakh

Delhi, UP, Punjab: Rs 55 lakh

Assam Bengal, Bihar: Rs 17.50 lakh

Bombay: Rs 1 crore (estimated)

Pertinent to note here is that 3 Idiots had higher number of shows in its paid preview (700) than Ghajini and the ticket price for the movie has also been marked up.

According to estimates by Businessofcinema.com, the opening weekend collections of the movie should be anywhere in the range of Rs 325 – Rs 350 million (Rs 32.50 – Rs 35 crore). The opening weekend (Friday – Saturday) collections of Ghajini was Rs 280 million (Rs 28 crore).

3 Idiots saw unprecedented occupancy levels in multiplexes across India today. Multiplexes were running to occupancy of approximately 75-80 percent in the morning shows on Friday and this is likely to shoot up to almost full house in the evening and night shows. The opening day (Friday) collections of the movie are likely to touch the Rs 100 milion (Rs 10 crore) net mark in India.

Speaking exclusively to Businessofcinema.com, Reliance BIG Pictures’ head of domestic distribution Kamal Gianchandani says, "The movie has opened to a phenomenal response and is on its way to become the highest ever opening weekend grosser." 

The response in overseas markets like Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, USA and the UK is also phenomenal.

Stay tuned as the numbers start flowing in…