THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: May 2008. A time when the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association, MACTA banned actor Dileep. Siddique, who was about to start his new film, Bodyguard, was in a dilemma. Dileep is the hero. The dates of Nayanthara and others were ready as well. Location and shooting date were also fixed and Dileep had no other upcoming films.

Vinayan was the Chairman of MACTA back then. The reason for the ban was a complaint lodged against Dileep by a director. All other members agreed with the decision of MACTA. However, in the general body meeting of MACTA, Siddique said with reasons that his film cannot be postponed. The controversy that Vinayan's answer that day was not dignified is what led to the split of MACTA and the formation of FEFCA.

Siddique had a gentle nature. Anyone could approach him. However, some decisions he takes cannot be changed. Bodyguard became a super hit. Siddique himself directed its remake in Tamil and Hindi. It was his debut in Bollywood. The collection of the Hindi film was over 200 crores.

Once the character is decided, there will be no changes. In Hitler, his first solo film after breaking up with Lal, Mammootty's character is always wearing mundu. It was Mammootty who asked if pants were enough for Hitler. Producer Lal also supported Mammootty's proposal.

Siddique was stern on his decision that Hitler was a village man and hence he should wear only mundu. Mammootty said that the film can be dubbed into other languages, so pants are enough. Finally, Mammootty gave in. He still refused to comb his hair up. Mammootty also had a fight with Lal regarding this. Lal told him many times but he did not listen. Even though Siddique told him multiple times, Mammootty insisted on combing his hair to the side only. Mammootty didn't wear a wig back then.

Mammootty even said that if he could not comb his head to his liking, they could cast someone else. However, when it was time for the shot, the make-up man George was called and Mammootty combed his hair up and asked 'Are you at peace now?'. After two scenes, Mammootty understood why Siddique was being so adamant.

Hitler a Mega hit

Chiranjeevi wanted to remake the movie in Telugu. A producer was sent to meet Siddique. Knowing that he was coming, Siddique went to the junction near his house and hid. The reason was he did not know Telugu. Bodyguard was remade in Hindi only after he learned Hindi. That was three years after the Malayalam film.