'3 Idiots' set to emerge as Bollywood's biggest blockbuster

NEW DELHI: The biggest success to come out from Bollywood in 2009, or even possibly the biggest hit to date, is undoubtedly the "3 Idiots".

Essentially a comedy, the film tackles the issue of the Indian education system and its emphasis on rote learning.

"3 Idiots" has been well received by both critics and the movie-going audience. Box office pundits have declared it the biggest hit of the year and the movie continues to earn praise from all quarters.

Trade analysts said that with collections of US$22 million in four days and still counting, the movie is set to emerge as the biggest blockbuster Indian cinema has seen till date.

The film has set new records in the international market as well, grossing US$2.14 million in the opening weekend in the US and the UK.

Mayank Shekhar, a film critic, said: "These days all movies claim to have done record opening business. But '3 Idiots' is beyond all movies. It is not just a students' film. It is for everyone, and the audience is loving it!"

Multiplex owners, anticipating the movie's success, have hiked their ticket prices by about 25 per cent across the country. But that has not deterred movie goers, who are giving the other big films like "Avatar" and "Twilight" a miss for "3 Idiots".

"Our promos, our marketing and everything else gelled well, which has resulted in a good opening. But the bottom line is that when the movie is good then everything works out," said Aamir Khan, a Bollywood actor.

In "3 Idiots", Aamir plays an engineering student, who along with his two friends takes on the education system. There are several themes in the film, like parental pressure and the examination system that lays emphasis on rote learning.

Aamir, who enjoys a cult status in Bollywood, is known for reinventing himself in each of his movies.

"3 Idiots" is being billed as the blockbuster of the year - a film that entertains and yet makes one think about issues related to the Indian education system. The film shows that without much ado, it is possible to change attitudes and mindsets.