Hyderabad-based Filmmaker Shrikaran Beecharaju's documentary 'Four on Eleven' celebrates Parsi Cricket icons

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad-based filmmaker Shrikaran Beecharaju has unveiled his documentary debut 'Four on Eleven', which highlights the influence of the Parsi community on Indian cricket. The film looks at the remarkable careers of cricket icons Nari Contractor, Farokh Engineer, Rusi Surti and Polly Umrigar, who owe their title to the historic moment when these four stars represented India in a Test match in 1961.

Through a mix of archive footage and interviews, 'Four on Eleven' recounts the achievements and anecdotes of these Parsi players. Originally conceived as a college project with seven students from the Xavier Institute of Communication (XIC) in Mumbai, the documentary has evolved into a cinematic exploration under Beecharaju's direction.

The film, narrated from Mumbai's Parsee Gymkhana, offers a perspective on the relationship between the Parsi community and cricket. Inspired by his proximity to Marine Drive, Beecharaju aimed to immortalise the contributions of cricketing legends. Additionally, the documentary provides insight into the impact of the Parsi community on Indian cricket during the Late Manik Golvala's T10 cricket league tournament.

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Narrated by former Doordarshan Broadcaster Fredun De Vitre and featuring Diana Edulji, the only Parsi woman cricketer and an ICC Hall of Fame member, the film sheds light on the forgotten contribution of Parsi women to the game. Perspectives from notable figures within the Parsi community, including ICC umpire Shahvir Tarapore, Vice President Khodadad Yazdegardi, Mumbai Under 16 selector Kersi Pavri, and former Tanzanian national team bowling coach Vispi Mehta, offer further insights.

The film "Four on Eleven" delves into the rich history of the sport in India. The narration starts from cricket being a colonial sport, how it came to India, and how the Parsis were the first people to play cricket. It narrates the ideology and passion of the Parsi community for playing cricket in the 19th century and the importance of the Parsi community playing cricket and touring England.

Although test cricket began in 1878 with only two test-playing nations, Australia and England, a group of 20 Parsi cricketers embarked on a journey to England in 1886 to learn the game, shedding light on this forgotten history. Fast forward to 1961, where four cricketers from the Indian 11, including Captain Nari Contractor, Wicket Keeper Farokh Engineer, Allrounder Rusi Surti, and the senior-most player Polly Umriger, made significant contributions to the sport.

Addressing the decline in Parsi cricket's active participation, the documentary highlighted efforts to revive the sport, including coaching camps and all India cricket tournaments. Rising talent like Arzan Nagwaswalla exemplifies the potential to uphold the community's legacy.

Beecharaju collaborated with Nirvan Athreya and Karina del Mar, who composed music for the documentary. The film received nominations at the Jaipur International Film Festival, Northeast International Documentary and Film Fest (NIDFF), International Sports Film Festival, and International Cultural Artifact Film Festival.

Despite challenges, Beecharaju's commitment and familial support propelled 'Four on Eleven' from a college project to a full-fledged cinematic endeavor. With his debut film, Beecharaju aims to revive interest in Parsi cricketing heritage and spark conversations about its contemporary relevance.