Siddique Ismail: All About The Malayalam Director, Producer!

Siddique Ismail was a filmmaker, writer, producer, and actor from India who predominantly worked in Malayalam cinema. He started his career as a mimicry artist and later turned to films as a scriptwriter and assistant director.

In 1989, Siddique along with his friend Lal directed their debut film ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’ which went on to become a blockbuster.

Later, after parting ways with Lal, Siddique Ismail became an independent director and came up with several hit films such as Friends, Hitler, Chronic Bachelor, and Bodyguard. Siddique passed away on 8th August 2023 following liver-related ailments.

Cause Of Death

In July 2023, Siddique Ismail was admitted to Amrita Hospital in Kochi due to chronic liver disease and bronchopneumonia. As he suffered from respiratory failure, the director was put on a ventilator.

Subsequently, his condition improved with medical management. Hence, Siddique was taken off the ventilator and was undergoing supplemental oxygen therapy. During the treatment, the director suffered from a massive heart attack and underwent emergency angioplasty.

However, due to cardiogenic shock and respiratory failure, he was later placed on ECMO support. Later, Siddique developed multi-organ dysfunction with clinical deterioration and breathed his last on August 8th at 9.10 pm.

Physical Stats

Siddique Ismail Family

Siddique Ismail was born as one of the eight children of Karappu Nooppil Ismail Haji and Sainaba. The director’s father worked as a salesman in a textile shop. On May 6th, 1984, Siddique got married to his first cousin Sajitha. The couple has three daughters, Sumayia, Sara, and Sukoon. 

Education

Siddique did his schooling at the Government High School in Kaloor. Later, he completed his college education at St Paul’s College, Kalamassery, and Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam.

Controversies

In 2008, Siddique protested against certain remarks made by director Vinayan, who was then the General Secretary of MACTA (Malayalam Cine Technicians Association Federation). Following his allegations against Vinayan, Siddique resigned from MACTA and it stirred controversy.

However, all leading directors including Fazil, Sathyan Anthikkad, Siby Malayil, Kamal, Joshiy, Lal Jose, and Ranjith extended support to Siddique and decided to quit the organization.  

Profession

Siddique started his career as a mimicry artist. He was initially with the troupe Cochin Kalabhavan and later, he moved to Cochin Harisree. With the turn of events, Siddique along with his friend Lal turned scriptwriter. They wrote the story of the Malayalam films ‘Pappan Priyappetta Pappan’ and ‘Nadodikkattu’, both directed by ace director Sathyan Anthikad. 

Eventually, Siddique got a job as a clerk at the Darool Uloom School. Later, four months after his marriage, he got an opportunity to work as an Assistant Director for Fazil, a  leading director. Thus, Siddique resigned from his clerical job and started assisting Fazil.

In 1989, the director duo Siddique-Lal directed their first film ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’, produced by Fazil. It was a super hit and the director duo continued their winning streak by delivering several back-to-back hits such as ‘In Harihar Nagar‘, ‘Godfather’, ‘Vietnam Colony’, and ‘Kabooliwala’. Of these, Kabooliwala ran for 405 days, a record that remains unbroken even today.

Later, in 1995, Siddique Ismail parted ways with Lal and became an independent director. Subsequently, he went on to direct 13 films including ‘Hitler’, ‘Friends’, ‘Chronic Bachelor’, ‘Bhaskar The Rascal’ and ‘Bodyguard’. Of these, ‘Bodyguard’ was remade in Hindi with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in the lead role. The film was also remade as ‘Kavalan’ in Tamil with Vijay playing the lead character.

The other Tamil films from Siddique include Friends, Engal Anna, and Bhaskar Oru Rascal. The last film from the director was ‘Big Brother’, a Malayalam movie released in 2020. 

Siddique was the co-producer of the films Fukri’ and ‘Big Brother’. He also appeared in cameo roles in films such as Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu, Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal, and Masterpiece.

Siddique Ismail Net worth

Siddique’s main source of income was from directing and producing films. Reportedly, his net worth stands at $5 million.

Lesser Known Facts About Siddique

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