In a time when the public’s faith in the system often wavers, ‘Costao’ arrives as a stirring reminder that integrity can still win. Directed by Sejal Shah, the film narrates the incredible true story of Costao Fernandes, a courageous and upright Goan customs officer who took on a powerful smuggling network and a corrupt system – and emerged victorious after a decade-long legal battle.
Now streaming on Zee5, this courtroom drama, family story, and character study rolled into one is both deeply emotional and politically sharp.
Plot Summary: The Price of Integrity Is High – But Truth Triumphs in the End – Costao Fernandes (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) isn’t just a government official – he’s a loving husband, a doting father, and a man of principles. His wife Maria (Priya Bapat), understanding the risks of his job, stands by him with quiet strength. Together, they raise three children in a simple, love-filled home.
Costao Movie Review: A Ten-Year Legal Battle That Proves Honesty Still Matters
Things take a dark turn when Kustow foils a massive gold smuggling operation led by powerful political figure Ji D’mello (Kishor Kumar). In retaliation, Costao is falsely framed for the murder of Ji’s brother Peter (Hussain Dalal). With the CBI investigation (led by Gagan Dev) also stacked against him, Kustow is left to fight a lonely legal battle – from Goa to Mumbai to the Supreme Court.
Over ten long years, he refuses to give up. And finally, justice is served. His name is cleared, and his honour restored.
Performances: Nawazuddin at His Most Grounded and Powerful – Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers one of his most heartfelt performances in years. As Costao, he balances calm authority with emotional vulnerability. Whether it’s a courtroom scene or a moment of quiet with his family, Nawazuddin’s performance is nuanced and powerful.
Priya Bapat, as Maria, matches him scene for scene, portraying a wife torn between hope and despair with subtle depth. Kishor Kumar plays the villain with chilling restraint, and Gagan Dev, as the CBI officer, leaves a strong impression.
Direction & Storytelling: Simple Narrative, Deep Cinematic Impact: While the narration remains straightforward, Sejal Shah’s direction showcases strong cinematic vision. The script by Bhavesh Mandela and Megh Srivastava, based on true events, takes creative liberties to add drama – but never at the cost of realism.
The mix of family emotions, courtroom intensity, and political conspiracy keeps the viewer engaged. The emotional and action scenes are balanced with smart pacing and sharp editing.
Message: The System May Be Flawed, But Justice Still Exists – ‘Costao’ reminds us that even in a broken system, there are still judges and institutions that uphold justice. It’s a tribute to those honest public servants who suffer in silence, yet never give up on what is right.
Verdict: ‘Costao’ is more than a film – it’s a message. A story of grit, love, justice, and an unwavering belief in truth. If you appreciate courtroom thrillers based on real events, or simply want to see Nawazuddin at his best, this one’s worth your time.