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‘Costao’ is the kind of film that marks the return of the vintage Nawazuddin Siddiqui we had missed over the past few years. Inspired by the real-life exploits of a Goa-based customs officer, this drama-thriller turns out to be a thoroughly enjoyable watch. It's a film where the key characters are all in fine form, delivering performances that consistently lift the narrative.

The story captures the sights, sounds, and spirit of Goa beautifully, with the screenplay smartly making the location feel like an additional character. With a narrative that keeps you hooked and several memorable scenes sprinkled throughout, ‘Costao’ proves to be an engaging ride. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is in blistering form here, ably supported by a strong ensemble cast, ensuring that the two-hour runtime feels brisk and entertaining.

Fatal twist and an honest customs officer

Set against the sun-kissed backdrop of Goa, the story follows Costao Fernandes (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), an upright customs officer deeply committed to his duty and his country. At home, he has a supportive wife, Maria (Priya Bapat), and two teenage children, Marissa and Chris, with whom he shares a warm bond. Costao has earned a reputation by nabbing several notorious smugglers, and now his next target is Alfanso D’Mello (Kishore Kumar G), a powerful local politician and gold smuggler. When he gets a tip-off about Alfanso’s men moving gold, Costao rushes to the location, but Alfanso, warned in time, escapes. Undeterred and determined, Costao acts on another lead and manages to catch Alfanso’s brother, Peter (Hussain Dalal), during a smuggling attempt. However, a violent scuffle ensues, and in the chaos, Costao accidentally kills Peter. What follows is a gripping courtroom drama as Costao finds himself framed for murder, with the case making its way from the district court all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Pacy screenplay and sharp writing

‘Costao’ maintains a tight pace throughout and hardly ever loses its momentum. The entire cast seems to be in fine fettle, something that significantly benefits the film. Credit must go to writers Bhavesh Mandalia and Meghna Srivastava for crafting a narrative that is both compelling and layered. The film is packed with sharp dialogues and standout moments. In one instance, when Nawaz’s character argues for bending protocol to achieve results, he says, "Agar grammar ko follow karenge to English kabhi seekh nahi paayenge."

In another, when Costao’s boss advises him to prioritize his health, Costao dryly points out, “Cigarette aapke haath mein hai.’ These moments, along with scenes like the quiet dinner between Costao and Maria where love and patriotism intertwine, or the intense confrontation outside the court with Alfanso’s relatives, underline the control the writers have over the material.

Performances anchor the film

A lot of Costao’s success comes from the performances, which are top-notch. Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Costao reminds us why he’s considered one of the finest actors of his generation — his portrayal feels lived-in and effortless. Priya Bapat as Maria is a perfect fit, bringing sincerity and warmth to her role. Kishore Kumar G plays Alfanso D’Mello with the right amount of menace, though the fear factor he evokes fluctuates a little. However, it’s Gagan Dev Riar who steals the show as Sameer Narang, a corrupt CBI officer. Gagan layers his character with such nuance and eccentricity that the line between actor and role blurs completely. His brief presence leaves a strong impact, much like Nawaz’s own breakout turn as a CBI officer in ‘Kahaani.’ One can only hope this role proves similarly pivotal for Gagan’s career.

A real-life tale that stays grounded

While the film initially suggests a classic cat-and-mouse game between customs officers and smugglers, it swiftly shifts gears after Costao’s unexpected fall from grace. For audiences unfamiliar with the real-life story of Costao Fernandes, the narrative twist will certainly come as a surprise. Unlike many Bollywood films that claim to be inspired by real events but indulge in heavy fictionalization, Costao wisely stays grounded. Thanks to Sejal Shah’s assured direction, the film leans toward believability rather than exaggeration. Balancing real-life relevance with entertainment, ‘Costao’ ticks all the right boxes. This gripping drama-thriller deserves your attention and makes for a rewarding viewing experience

Also read: Imtiaz Ali teams up with Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba to produce a 'friendship-based film': Here is what we know

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Hussain Dalal, and Gagan Dev Riar

Director: Sejal Shah

Rating: 3.5/5

(‘Costao’ will be available for streaming on Zee5 starting 1st May)

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