We were led to believe that Hindi cinema is back in form by Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar's performance by Ranbir Kapoor has increased our desire for a rom-com. Apart from the dismal box office results of the other films, this Friday features an intriguing box office competition. Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway by Rani Mukerji is on the one hand, and Zwigato by Kapil Sharma is on the other.

One film is based on a horrific real-life incident and the other depicts the narrative of the not-so-surprising barriers of a lower middle-class man. Which movie is more likely to sell more tickets at the box office? Due to Mukerji's greater cinematic influence, it appears that she has an advantage over Sharma. Early reviews indicate that the producers have a hit on their hands, that their subject has touched a nerve, and that the actress has given yet another powerful performance.

That's not to suggest there won't be any takers for Zwigato; Sharma also has a television following that ought to hopefully transfer into foot traffic. Nandita Das is skilled at portraying the struggles people face in real life while creating a gripping drama around them. This is a complete turnaround for one of television's funniest personalities, a sensitive, tender, vulnerable side that few anticipated he would channel one day.

Of course, everything else will depend on how many screens and shows there are. Astonishingly, Mukerji's movie will supposedly play on 2000 screens in India. The precise figures for Sharma's movie are awaited. The fact that this movie has already caused a stir at numerous film festivals across the world should heighten interest. The story may be somewhat specialized and esoteric, but it tells the tale of those who make sure that no one goes to bed hungry. This Friday, see a war of battles in the movies.