Remembering Siddique: Filmmaker who gave Malayalam cinema some of its best comedies

In a tragic turn of events, Malayalam director Siddique died on August 8, a day after he suffered a cardiac arrest. He had been in a hospital for quite some time because of liver ailments.

3 things you need to know

• He was initially hospitalised on July 10 after developing liver-related issues.
• He was on life support for the past two days.
• Director B Unnikrishnan and director and actor Lal formally announced his passing.

A Glance at Siddique's evolution in the industry

Siddique was an integral part of the Malayalam film industry. He collaborated with both Mammootty and Mohanlal during his career. He began his professional journey as an assistant director to Fazil. He eventually teamed up with Lal and directed the first film Ramji Rao Speaking in 1989. This film became a box office success. It was later remade in Hindi as Phir Hera Pheri.

Continued collaboration with Lal

The duo didn’t stop there and went on to direct several successful films like  In Harihar Nagar (1990), Godfather (1991), Vietnam Colony (1992), and Kabooliwala (1993). These films helped them make a name for themselves in the comedy space.

(Siddique died after suffering a cardiac attack | Image: Twitter)

Siddiqui and Lal parted ways in 1993. Following this,  Lal chose to work  as an actor-producer. Siddique, on the other hand, continued to be a director. In 1996, he directed his first solo film, Hitler, under Lal’s production house. After this he directed 2 Harihar Nagar (2009) and In Ghost House Inn (2010). In 2016, the duo united again to work on King Liar. It was written by Siddique and directed by Lal. 

Siddique's work in Tamil cinema

Siddiqui also carved a niche for himself in Tamil cinema. He entered the industry with Friends (2001), a remake of his Malayalam comedy of the same name. He also directed Tamil films like Kaavalan and Engal Anna. He also helmed the Telugu film Maaro, a retelling of his Mannar Matthai Speaking. 

Siddique was active in Malayalam cinema till 2020.  Big Brother, starring Mohanlal, proved to be his last release. It did not do well at the box office.