Costao Review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays a larger-than-life hero most realistically and there’s nothing to complain

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Plot

The film “Costao” is inspired by the true story of Costao Fernandes, a brave and upright customs officer from Goa in the 90s. In an effort to prevent the illegal importation of 1500kg of gold into Goa, he unfortunately ends up defending himself against Peter (Hussain Dalal), the brother of smuggler D’Mello (Kishore Kumar G), which results in Peter’s death. This act puts Costao and his family in grave danger while also landing him in a complex legal battle. Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrays Costao, a character who faced numerous trials, including threats to his life, as he strives to expose powerful gold smugglers operating within the state.

What works in favor of Costao?

As a dedicated follower, I’d express it like this: In Costao, I find a heartfelt endeavor to share the tale of an unrecognized hero with Hindi cinema spectators. Each scene in this movie radiates sincerity without ever appearing pretentious. The story is inherently heroic, compelling you to cheer for the character even when there’s a dearth of grandiose dialogues. Yet, there are dialogue lines that effortlessly convey Costao’s bravery and strong character.

This screenplay skillfully captures your interest without resorting to typical commercial movie tropes. The characters are authentically crafted, making it easier for you to connect with the plot. The storyline is concise and coherent, though there may be a few lulls in the film’s pacing. The film’s compact runtime, under 2 hours, contributes to its suspenseful narrative.

What doesn’t work in favor of Costao?

Costao stays true to its narrative and characters, which might not offer as much drama, music, or entertainment as some viewers might expect from a biographical film about a real-life hero. However, this focus on authenticity could be seen as a positive aspect for those who appreciate such an approach. Since the film isn’t being released in cinemas, any potential disappointment regarding its style may not affect its overall impact.

Watch the Costao Trailer

Performances and Direction

Once more, Nawazuddin Siddiqui demonstrates his exceptional acting skills in Bollywood, making it clear why he is considered one of the best. He delivers a captivating performance, fully embracing the intricate character. His emotional depth shines through in every scene, particularly those where he displays both strength and vulnerability simultaneously. Don’t miss the intense showdown between him and D’Mello, moments like these make it hard not to admire his talent.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I must say that Gagan Dev Riar truly dazzles in his portrayal of Narang within the CBI realm. His uncanny ability to meticulously craft every detail of his character ensures it leaves a lasting impression on viewers, earning him well-deserved admiration.

In addition, Priya Bapat captivates as Maria Fernandes, Hussain Dalal delivers an exceptional performance as Peter D’Mello, and Kishore Kumar G brings D’Mello to life in a way that is both compelling and authentic. Each actor brings their A-game, making the series a must-watch for any discerning viewer.

Sejal Shah, experienced cinematographer of movies such as Bodyguard and Kaali Khuhi, among others, impressively delivers a powerful directorial debut. Remarkably, throughout the entire film, there’s no hint that it is his first time directing.

Final Verdict

In simpler terms, Costao is a standout Hindi OTT production that’s worth watching, especially if you’ve been frustrated by the scarcity of fresh and quality OTT films recently. Don’t forget to catch it on Zee5 starting May 1, 2025.

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2025-04-30 07:37