Acclaimed Malayalam director Siddique sadly passed away late on Monday night in Kochi. He was 63.
Siddique had suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday and was hospitalized in critical condition. Over the next couple of days, his health deteriorated rapidly despite doctors’ best efforts. He was put on ventilator and ECMO support as he battled multiple health issues. However, the filmmaker unfortunately succumbed to multi-organ failure.
The news of Siddique’s sudden demise has left many in the Malayalam film fraternity in shock and grief. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Final Journey
According to Siddique’s family, his mortal remains will be kept at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Wednesday for people to pay their last respects. His body will later be taken to his Kakkanad residence, before the funeral at Ernakulam Juma Masjid in the evening.
The entire Malayalam film industry is expected to be present to bid farewell to the master filmmaker. Police security arrangements are being made to control the huge crowds expected.
Condolences Pour In
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed their deep condolences on Siddique’s passing. CM Vijayan highlighted the director’s unique style of addressing serious issues in a humorous way through his cinema.
Several leading actors, directors and producers also mourned the huge loss for Malayalam cinema. Siddique’s dear friend and collaborator Lal was emotional as he reminisced their memorable journeys together.
Comedy Classics
Along with Lal, Siddique delivered some of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic comedy films like Ramji Rao Speaking, In Harihar Nagar, Godfather and Vietnam Colony in the late 80s and 90s. Their impeccable comic timing and feel for situational humor set them apart.
Siddique also directed major hits in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. Salman Khan’s Bodyguard was among his last Hindi projects. His final Malayalam film was Mohanlal-starrer Big Brother in 2020.
Legacy & Influence
With his unique brand of family entertainers and feel-good comedies, Siddique carved a special place in the hearts of Mollywood fans. His crisp writing, endearing characters and rooted stories made him one of Malayalam cinema’s most bankable directors.
His sudden demise at the peak of his career has left a huge void. But Siddique’s cinematic legacy will live on through his memorable films that made generations laugh and cry together.