Malayalam filmmaker Siddique passed away on Tuesday, August 8. He was 63. Siddique was undergoing treatment after being hospitalized due to a cardiac arrest on August 7 and was in the critical care unit at a hospital in Kochi, Kerala. The iconic director was being treated for liver-related problems and pneumonia and was on ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). He was put on ventilator support after his health condition began to deteriorate. Nearly a month ago, Siddique was admitted to the hospital for "chronic liver disease and bronchopneumonia".
Siddique's body has been kept at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Wednesday for the public to pay homage. The funeral will be held at the Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid later today in the evening where his mortal remains will be laid to rest at 6 pm will full state honors. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president K Sudhakaran offered their heartfelt condolences on the demise of the celebrated filmmaker. Khan wrote on X, "Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Sri #Siddique, noted film director. His films stood apart, with relatable characters, setting benchmarks for comedy and entertainment. May his soul rest in peace (sic)".
Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan said: "Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Sri #Siddique, noted film director.His films stood apart, with relatable characters, setting benchmarks for comedy and entertainment.
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) August 8, 2023
May his soul rest in peace": PRO KeralaRajBhavan pic.twitter.com/9U73yPH98K
Siddique's passing has come as a big blow to the Malayalam film fraternity and fans, who have been paying their tribues to the filmmaker on social media. Mammootty paid his homage on Facebook saying that the back-to-back deaths of loved ones are beyond bearable.
Mohanlal shared his grief and wrote, "Cannot express the despair in the untimely demise of Siddique, who has become a favorite for Malayalis across the world, through his stories laced with natural humor, and spoke about common man's problems."
Sound designer Resul Pookutty expressed his shock and wrote on Instagram, "I’m too shocked and beyond comprehension that you left us! You were suppose to see my edit of @ottathemovie this week… I will never be able to bear this… You were too kind and beautiful soul… Men like you are rare… Industry will take a long time to come to terms with this… My heartfelt condolences to the family… May you rest in eternal peace... (sic)".
Dulquer Salmaan penned a heartfelt statement writing, "The gentlest soul. The kindest human. A gifted writer/director. The most incredible humor hiding behind his soft demeanour. He gave us some of the most iconic films. Part of our pop culture and referred to in our everyday conversations. This is an immeasurable loss. Prayers and strength to Siddique Sirs family and loved ones."
Tamil cinema fans know Siddique best for his collaborations with 'Thalapathy' Vijay in films Friends (2001) and Kaavalan (2011), which went on to become huge blockbusters. He also directed the 'Captain' Vijayakanth-starrer Engal Anna (2004), which as well was a major box-office success. Siddique's last big Tamil directorial was the Arvind Swami and Amala Paul-starrer Bhaskar Oru Rascal (2018).
