Janatha Bar, a film on harassment in sports

Director Ramana Mogili’s upcoming film Janatha Bar has been in the news for interesting reasons. Inspired by true incidents of sexual harassment in sports, the director has penned a fictional account on that theme.  

“I have seen several newspaper stories and TV reports of allegations of sexual harassment in sports. I wanted to make a film on what women go through and how they get disheartened when they face such obstacles,” says the director.

He spoke to several current and former athletes, and administrators to understand how women are exploited in sports. He was moved by those accounts, and wanted to tell a story where women fight for their rights.

Raai Laxmi plays the role of a wrestler. Ramana picked her because he felt her presence in multiple industries would help her carry the message to the masses. “Laxmi doesn’t need any introduction and she has done several strong characters in the past. When we approached her for the part, she liked the story and came on board,” says the director, adding that she looked tailor-made for the part.

The actress will be seen in a three-dimensional role – as an actress, athlete and someone very patriotic. “We showcase a woman’s struggle, and convey how women can fight for their own rights,” says the director who earlier made films like Ee Varsham Sakshiga, Kothaga Maa Prayanam and Dharmasthali in Telugu, apart from directing five films in Bhojpuri and one in Odiya.