New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Aamir Khan starrer comedy-drama “3 Idiots” has grossed over Rs.315 crore ($70 million) globally in the 19 days since its release, a statement by Reliance BIG Entertainment, the film’s distributor, said Tuesday.
Based on Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller Five Point Someone, the film has been produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and directed by Rajkumar Hirani.

“‘3 Idiots’ has opened new vistas for the Indian film industry. The huge response across continents reinforces our belief that a well-made, well-exploited film can still create magic in the darkened auditorium. We are proud to be associated with Vinod, Aamir, Raju and the talented team of ‘3 idiots’,” said Amit Khanna, chairman, Reliance BIG Entertainment.

Added Chopra: “I am thrilled and humbled that so many people all over the world have loved this film. It proves true Rancho’s (the protagonist in the movie) mantra - chase excellence and success will follow.”

Aamir echoed the sentiment, saying: “As a member of the team I am so happy with the kind of success that the film is achieving. Thanks to Raju (Hirani), for making the film so well, to Vinod for doing such a great job as a producer and to Reliance BIG Pictures for the kind of release they gave the film.”

According to the statement, more that 60 million people have so far watched the film in theatres since its release Dec 25. Its box office collections have exceeded the over Rs.260 crore earned by another Aamir starrer, “Ghajini”, considered Hindi cinema’s highest grosser till date.

“3 Idiots” is also being touted as the highest grossing Indian film ever to release in the US, Middle East, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Kenya and Fiji.

The film has retained its position in the top 10 film at the British Box Office and is also Aamir’s biggest grosser so far and highest box office grosser of 2009. The screen count in the US for “3 Idiots” has increased by 25 percent by the third week.

Indian multiplexes added on an average 14 to 21 new shows in the second week of the movie compared to its first week with 150 additional shows.

The paid previews of the movie also garnered over Rs.9 crore worldwide, above those of the paid preview collections of “Ghajini” that were Rs.7 crore globally.

The film also stars R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani and Kareena Kapoor in pivotal roles.