Costao

Costao (2025) : Movie Review -

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who had been seemingly adrift with some of his recent choices, appears to have found more solid footing with Costao. The film unfolds as an engaging drama in its first hour, only to taper off into a more sluggish, if sincere, chronicle of a man's fight against crime and injustice. Given that it's a biopic, the screenplay stays loyal to real events, which limits creative liberty. However, the narrative could have benefitted from a tighter pace and a few more dramatic beats in the latter half. That said, Costao remains a heartfelt tribute to a committed individual, and deserves to be watched for its subject's resilience and patriotism, if not for cinematic finesse.

Costao Fernandes (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is an upright customs officer based in Goa, leading a quiet life with his family. A staunch opponent of smuggling and crime, he also once excelled in sports during his student years. His mission is to bring down D'Mello (Kishore Kumar), a major smuggler operating off the Goan coast. During a tense raid, D'Mello's brother is accidentally killed by Costao in an act of self-defense. This sparks a personal vendetta, with D'Mello retaliating by terrorizing Costao and his loved ones. As a result, Costao is forced to relocate and separate from his family for their protection while he wages a legal battle that takes him from the High Court to the Supreme Court. Will he be able to win this battle?

The film often evokes shades of Nawazuddin's performance in Raees (2016), although with less intensity. The narrative is framed through the eyes of Costao's daughter, which initially offers a fresh perspective but gradually loses impact. The first half features gripping cat-and-mouse sequences between Costao and D'Mello, as well as a few moments that spotlight Costao's integrity and patriotism. Dialogues such as "18% ka GST bhar nahi paate tum log aur Goa ke sapne" and "My honesty is unaffordable" encapsulate the fire in Costao's character. Unfortunately, this fire dims in the second half, which sees him subjected to violence and humiliation without significant response, rendering parts of the narrative flat and uninspired. The film's latter section lacks the tension and urgency that its opening promised.

In terms of performances, Nawazuddin Siddiqui finally appears more invested, a welcome change after some underwhelming recent outings. While the role may not fully match his capabilities, it marks a step up from his previous projects. Priya Bapat, despite being a Marathi woman, handles the Christian accent reasonably well. Kishore Kumar, although inconsistent with the accent, fares better in terms of screen presence and intensity. Supporting actors such as Mahika Sharma, Hussain Dalal, Gagan Dev Riar, Ravi Shankar Jaiswal, and Arjun Kumar deliver adequate performances, adding depth to the ensemble without stealing focus.

On the technical front, Costao seems constrained by budgetary limitations. The production lacks visual richness, and the cinematography offers little beyond the appeal of naturally scenic locations. Songs appear sporadically and often feel like an interruption, with little to add in terms of narrative or emotional weight. While a few mass-appeal dialogues provide unexpected entertainment, they stand out more as isolated highlights rather than a consistent strength. Director Sejal Shah-making a transition from cinematographer to filmmaker-invests genuine effort into the film. However, the script and its somewhat uninspired conflicts hold back the impact. A similar trajectory was once seen with Laxman Utekar, who later found his rhythm as a director, and perhaps Shah will too. Costao is an honest film about an exceptionally honest officer. While its appeal may be limited among mainstream audiences, it's likely to resonate more with viewers who value sincerity and social integrity (which are low in numbers today) over cinematic spectacle.

RATING - 5/10*

Costao is a powerful and moving film that draws its strength from real life events, capturing the essence of what it means to serve with unwavering honesty in the face of corruption and adversity. The story follows the incredible journey of Officer Costao, whose steadfast moral compass and dedication to duty leave an unforgettable impact on the system and the people around him.

The film is not only a gripping narrative but also a deeply inspiring one. It reminds us that true change begins with individuals who are willing to take a stand, no matter the personal cost. The portrayal of Officer Costao is nothing short of remarkable, a salute to the real heroes working behind the scenes in our country, often without recognition or reward.

Performances are sincere and grounded, the screenplay is taut, and the direction is commendably focused on realism over dramatics. It's not just a biographical drama; it's a wake up call and a beacon of hope.

India needs more officers like Costao, honest, fearless, and unshakably committed to justice. This film is a must watch for anyone who still believes in the power of integrity to make a difference.

Costao is a crisp, gutsy film that pivots around an honest Customs officer and the enormous cost he has to pay for his courage and integrity. The criminals come gunning for him, his superiors turn their backs on him and his family life crumbles under the emotional pressure.

Sejal's direction is deft and sensitive, her directorial style is defined by both broad strokes and fine detailing. She expertly weaves the action with the emotional undercurrent and comes out with a film that grips your attention right from the first frame.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is spectacular in the lead role, executing action sequences with consummate ease.

Rafey Mahmood's cinematography is exquisite, using a subtle play of light and shade, of tautness and breathing space. It is robust in action sequences and intensely artistic in the emotional scenes.

Costao is a film one can watch again and still discover nuances one had missed out in the first viewing.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers one of his finest performances, portraying Fernandes with quiet strength, dignity, and vulnerability.

The film is not flashy, but that's its strength. It stays grounded in reality, slowly revealing the emotional and political weight of Fernandes' fight for justice. The direction is tight, the writing is respectful, and the pacing keeps you invested.

What moved me most was how the film sheds light on a real-life hero who was silenced and forgotten. This is the kind of story we need more of-where integrity isn't just a word, but a lonely, painful path walked by those who refuse to bow down.

Highly recommended. Watch it not just for entertainment, but to honor a man who deserved far more recognition.

There are some biopics which turn out good either because the character is developed well or because the actor playing the character has done a marvelous job. In this case it is a bit of both resulting in a fairly watchable movie.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui carries the film from start to finish as he displays various shades of the complex character particularly where he has arguments with his boss and his wife. He is a truly natural actor and gets fully into the character he plays. His acting makes the character true to life rather than larger than life as it often happens in Hindi movies.

Director Sejal Shah has kept the pace of the narrative absorbing enough with the required amount of restraint and realism. There are a few unconvincing points though like Castao pulling through almost unscathed even though grievously injured and the antagonist not planning to have him eliminated which would have looked natural. ( Maybe it is a true to life depiction.). Nawazuddin's scene at the cemetery near the end is truly a fine piece of acting. Supporting him as the wife is Priya Bapat who has done an impressive job.