Veteran Malayalam director Siddique passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 63. Siddique was in the hospital in Kochi receiving treatment for a liver-related illness. The body of Siddique Ismail will be kept at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kadavanthra from 9 am to 11:30 am on Wednesday for people to pay their respects.
His body will then be taken to his residence for a brief prayer ceremony before the funeral, which will be held at 6 pm at the Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid. Siddique was a very talented director who started his career by working with the famous director Fazil. He and his friend Lal were both discovered by Fazil while they were performing in a comedy troupe.
Siddique and Lal started their directorial career as a duo. Their first film, Ramji Rao Speaking, was a comedy released in 1989. Fazil, a legendary Malayalam filmmaker, funded it. They followed up Ramji Rao Speaking with a string of hit films, including In Harihar Nagar, Godfather, Vietnam Colony, Kabooliwala, and Hitler.
Siddique and Lal were a very talented duo who made some of the most popular and successful comedies in Malayalam cinema. Siddique Ismail also went on to have a successful solo career as a director. He even directed the Hindi and Tamil remakes of his film Bodyguard.
Celebrities from Kerala took to social media to mourn the filmmaker's death. Dulquer Salmaan wrote on Instagram, "He was a gentle soul, a kind human being, and a gifted writer/director. He had an incredible sense of humour that he hid behind his soft demeanour.
Basil Joseph expressed his gratitude to Siddique for the many happy moments that he brought to people through his films. Kunchako Boban said that Siddique was a great director and a genuine human being. I pray for his soul and I join the family in their loss."
Manju Warrier wrote on Instagram, "The moments of laughter you've gifted us will always remain. Goodbye to one of my favourites! #RIP." Indrajith thanked Siddique for the many laughs and onscreen moments that they shared. He said that Siddique was one of the kindest people he has ever known. You will be missed. RIP Siddique Sir!"