Hanumankind's Big Dawgs Brings 'Mecca Of Kerala' Ponnani Into Focus With 'Well Of Death' Shoot

Rapper Hanumankind, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, became a global sensation after his song Big Dawgs received a raving response upon its release on July 10. It has garnered over 57 million views on YouTube and currently ranks high on the list of global top music videos. It has also entered the Billboard Hot 100 list.

The song, penned and composed by the artiste, gained popularity for its political lyrics on the theme of identity and its creative music video set within a classic carnival attraction known as the ‘well of death’. Kerala Tourism has recently revealed that the music video has been shot in Ponnani, Kerala, leading to a lot of curiosity around the location. It is also called the Mecca Of Kerala.

How Big Dawgs makers used the popular well of death for shoot

According to Hanumankind, Big Dawgs music video was shot in a day. Inside the well of death, daring drivers ride bikes and small vehicles parallel to the ground on wooden planks. The production team urged the locals in Ponnani to delay the dismantling of the well of death by a few days so that they could shoot the music video there.

Interesting facts to know about Ponnani

The well of death, featuring stunt drivers, was once a mainstay in Kerala’s vibrant fairs and festivals. Ponnani has long been considered a prominent scenic coastal town as it is bordered by an estuary on the northern side, backwaters in the south and the Arabian Sea on the west. Ponnani is also one of the major fishing centers in the district. During the months of February/March, thousands of migratory birds flock to this region.

The place has a long Islamic history. Kerala Tourism states that Ponnani was a favourite location for Arab traders 2000 years ago. It was also a chosen destination for many Muslim spiritual leaders who were instrumental in introducing Islam here.

Popular tourist spots in Ponnani

There is a 15th century mosque in the district, called the Ponnani Juma Masjid. It was built by Zainuddin Ibn Bin Ahmed, the descendant of an Arab theologian who landed on these shores. The Thrikkavu temple is situated near the Juma Masjid. It is said that they were built by a Hindu-Muslim duo who survived a storm at sea. They prayed that they would build a mosque and a temple side by side if they managed to reach land safely.

Biyyam Kayal near Ponnani is a popular lake destination for travellers interested in watersports. Boat race is conducted here annually during Onam celebrations. The pristine Padinjarekkara Beach, where the Bharathapuzha River joins the Arabian Sea, offers excellent boating facilities to visitors.