RIP Siddique: Mammootty, Mohanlal, Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino, and others mourn loss of hit filmmaker

A gifted mimicry artiste-turned-hit filmmaker, director Siddique’s contribution to cinema goes beyond Malayalam, having also worked with the likes of Tamil superstar Vijay and Bollywood star Salman Khan, among others. The filmmaker, who passed away on August 8 following a heart attack, had his first break in cinema with Ramji Rao Speaking, which he made with his friend Lal, who later moved to a career in acting. A gifted writer with a great sense of humour, Siddique wrote all the films he’s directed, like In Harihar Nagar, Godfather, Vietnam Colony, Mannar Mathai Speaking, Kabooliwala, Bodyguard, Bhaskar The Rascal, among many others. 

Condolences have been pouring in for the late filmmaker. Mammootty, who did Hitler, Chronic Bachelor and Bhaskar The Rascal with Siddique, wrote about the unbearable pain of losing dear ones in his message. Mohanlal, whose hit film Naadodikaatu was written by Siddique-Lal, and then worked with them on Vietnam Colony and later with Siddique on Big Brother said in his post on Facebook that it was difficult to express his sadness at the demise of the filmmaker, who was like a big brother to him. In his note, Mukesh, who was on the ensemble cast of Ramji Rao Speaking, wrote about the massive role that Siddique had in helping the actor make a mark in Malayalam cinema. 

Read also: Mohanlal: ‘Big Brother’ Siddique showed us not to lose hope and reach great heights through his life 

Mammootty’s son and actor Dulquer Salmaan, who was to release the trailer of his Onam film King of Kotha today postponed the same as a mark of respect to Siddique. He also took to social media with a note of condolence, as did actors like Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, among many others.

Read also: Bidding adieu to Siddique: The Godfather of humour who will continue to inspire and entertain audience 

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of the late filmmaker will be on display at the Kadavanthra Indoor Stadium in Ernakulam till 12 noon on Wednesday (August 9) for family, friends and the public to pay their last respects. The last rites are expected to be held at the Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid at 6 pm this evening.