Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s outstanding performance deserves better than the mediocrity of this film on a powerful story
Despite a compelling true story of Costo Fernandes and versatile actor Nawazuddin, the manufacturer failed to do justice, resulting in wasted opportunities to bring the inspiring story of customs officials to life.
Director: Sejal Shah
Star Actors: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar, Priya Bapat
Running time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Where to watch: zee5
Rating: 2.5 stars
Costao is a biographical crime thriller based on the true story of customs official Costao Fernandes, who fought a powerful gold smuggling ring in Goa in the 1990s. The story of Fernandes’ life is one of the stories of heroism and valor, worth mentioning. Unfortunately, the manufacturer is not enough to make the impact it deserves to be just for his outstanding life.
For those familiar with the 1991 case, watching the premiere director Sejal Shah’s biographical thriller drama may not offer anything new. Nevertheless, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s skilled dialogue and subtle performance blends Costa Rican characters, like a chameleon, seamlessly merges with the characters.
The film begins with Nawazuddin enjoying time with his family, showing his happy family life while also portraying him as a fearless customs officer working like a single in the raid. But introducing Costao with the word “Usme Koi Milawat Nahi” introduces all the cards, and a more solid, more common perspective may make the story more relevant. Even the tiny narrator, Costa Rie’s eldest daughter, is not necessary, and attempts to provide perspective cannot add depth or meaningful angles to the film.
The portrayal of Costali’s relationship with his wife feels forced, unnecessarily emphasizing his lack of romantic and casual intimacy. The couple’s chemistry didn’t exist from the beginning, which made their relationship convincing. However, his portrayal is a keen and honest customs officer who works with his team for ground operations, trying to keep interest alive, albeit loose.
The narrative surfaced in the second half, despite briefly turning. Nawazuddin single-handedly bears the burden of weak direction and storytelling, making his effortless depiction of complex emotions the masterclass. He is the backbone of this originally hollow structure. Only the bond between Costa Rica and the whistleblower (Ravi Shankar Jaiswal) is a highlight, bringing heart-warming emotional depth and demonstrating the complexity and risks in the lives of customs officials.
Nevertheless, the film wasted its efforts to be extraordinary brave and fair in Costa Rie. Especially his 23-year legal hardships have been ostensibly covered up. Meanwhile, Kishore Kumar G, as local politician D’Mello, felt inadequate to work hard to elevate his underdeveloped role and make his presence more like a star-studded addition.
Gagan Dev Riar (known for his role in the 2003 scam) performance was a great performance for CBI officials. His subtle portrayal of corrupt characters is perfect for the character. He skillfully brought excitement and new interest to the second half. With his impressive performance, he undoubtedly deserves more projects and opportunities in the industry. Ravi Shankar Jaiswal shines as a whistleblower, adding a lovely emotional dimension to the narrative. Priya Bapat’s character and portrayal lacks faith and depth, and her scenes, especially “Zinda Hai Ki Mar Gaya”, feel a significant closure due to the lack of emotional connection. Unnecessary anger and frustration will not resonate.
Writers Bhavesh Mandalia and Megha Srivastava have a powerful story about a real-life hero. Despite a compelling true story, their writing fails to do it justly, wasting opportunities to bring Costa Rie’s inspiring story to life. Although the treatment of director Sejal Shah did not undermine Costao’s image, it neither elevates it to a celebratory tone. Instead, it is lost in mediocre descriptions, which is hindered by the weak editing of Unnikrishnan Payoor Parameswaran. The film’s potential wastes underdeveloped characters, sub-pictures that are not involved and ineffective storytelling, resulting in a flat overall impact.
Costo’s story is important and worth paying attention to. The film is merely commendable for his inspiring story.
Supported by Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Bhavesh Mandalia, Sejal Shah, Sejal Shah, Shyam Sunder and Faizuddin Siddiqui, Bhanushali Studios, Bhanushali Studios, Bombay Fabs Motion Pictorn Pictorm and Side Hero Enjertions, Costao Entertainment, Costao, COSTAO, COSTAO is available on May 1, 2025 on Zee5.
