Selecting the perfect release date is a notoriously difficult process for filmmakers in the Hindi film industry. Producers often scout for festivals, public holidays, or auspicious dates to maximize their box office potential. However, June 23 stands out in Bollywood history as a unique marker that delivered drastically different experiences for two major superstars across two separate decades.
2006: The Rise of Krrish
Following the massive success of 'Koi... Mil Gaya' in 2003, director Rakesh Roshan embarked on an experimental project that many in the industry were initially skeptical about. At the time, the superhero genre in India was often dismissed as low-budget or strictly for children. That all changed on June 23, 2006, when Hrithik Roshan appeared on the big screen in a face mask and black coat, delivering gravity-defying leaps that captivated audiences of all ages. The film featured impressive visual effects, high-octane stunts designed by Hong Kong action director Tony Ching, and a charming chemistry between Hrithik and Priyanka Chopra. According to TrendKia, the film, made on a budget of roughly ₹40 crore, shattered records by earning over ₹126 crore globally. It became the year's biggest blockbuster, making the date a legendary 'boon' for the industry.
2017: The Tubelight Failure
Exactly 11 years later, the industry and Salman Khan's fans expected history to repeat itself on June 23, 2017. Given Salman Khan’s successful track record with Eid releases, distributors were eager to place their bets on his latest collaboration with director Kabir Khan—a sensitive drama set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War titled 'Tubelight.' Instead of the anticipated success, the release turned into a major shock. Salman Khan portrayed 'Laxman Singh Bisht,' a simple-minded, mentally challenged character. The audience, expecting the 'Dabang' star's usual swag and action, were largely unimpressed by the slow-paced and sentimental narrative.
Despite the advantage of a major Eid holiday, theaters remained sparsely occupied, and the film crashed at the box office. With a production budget of approximately ₹135 crore, the movie struggled to recover its costs in the domestic market. TrendKia reported that the financial losses incurred by distributors were so severe that Salman Khan had to personally compensate them for the deficit. Consequently, June 23, 2017, is remembered as a significant 'curse' for the filmmakers involved.
