It seems that Sonam Kapoor as the matchmaker in "Aisha" has managed to imprss the moviegoers. The romantic comedy has garnered Rs.260 million at the opening weekend worldwide.

Inspired by Jane Austen's novel Emma, the film was released on 475 screens across India and 135 screens overseas on Friday.

"By such overwhelming weekend collections, the film has set a new benchmark for films with female protagonists. The box office collections are very encouraging, " Kamal Gianchandani, President, PVR Pictures told IANS.

Produced by debutante Rhea Kapoor, under the banner of her father's Anil Kapoor Films Company, "Aisha" has been has directed by first timer Rajshree Ojha and distributed by PVR Pictures.

The movie is a modern-day adaptation of Austen's 19th century British novel. It stars Sonam as a Delhi-based free- spirited, stylish and spoilt high society girl, who feels she is naturally gifted in finding love matches.

She is supported by actors like Abhay Deol, Arunoday Singh, Cyrus Sahukar, Ira Dubey and debutantes Lisa Haydon and Amrita Puri in the film.

"The film is doing well in the big cities and the business is quite encouraging in smaller cities as well, " informed Gianchandani.

"Also as compared to Friday, Monday has only seen a drop of 20 percent, which is quite minimal. Usually a film sees a drop of anywhere more than 40 percent on a Monday, " he added.