Costao Review: Nawazuddin Explores Goan Culture – A Flawed Yet Fascinating Journey

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a powerful performance as Costao Fernandez, a customs officer caught in a dangerous situation. When he kills the brother of a powerful politician in self-defense, he falls victim to a relentless attack aimed at ruining his life. His delivery of the line, “Everybody wants an honest and brave officer, but in their neighbor’s house, not their own,” is a standout moment. However, his attempt at a Goan accent feels off, which can be distracting. For viewers who can overlook this, the tension of the plot remains engaging.

Directed by Sejal Shah, Costao draws inspiration from a real-life hero. The film’s plot revolves around Costao’s struggle to expose a gold smuggling ring run by the D’Mello brothers, leading to a deadly confrontation. Kishore Kumar G plays the elder brother, who uses his power in politics to seek revenge after Costao kills his sibling, Peter. The story unfolds in a straightforward manner, where family life is heavily intertwined with Costao’s duties.

Set in the 1990s, the film gives off a dated vibe. The cinematography feels uninspired, and the music doesn’t add much energy to the story. Interestingly, the narrative is framed through Costao’s young daughter, providing a unique perspective on the family sacrifices he makes while pursuing his job. Priya Bapat plays his wife, Maria, often arguing with him about prioritizing work over family.

Despite its intriguing premise, Costao could have done more. The creators miss the chance to fully develop the story, making it feel familiar rather than fresh. While Siddiqui is a talented actor, someone who could embody Costao’s Goan roots more convincingly might have been a better choice. Overall, the film is decent but doesn’t quite live up to its potential.

Overall Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars. You can watch Costao on ZEE5.

This film invites viewers to reflect on the sacrifices made by honest government officers. It also highlights the difficulties individuals face when standing up to corruption. The themes are particularly relevant today as we witness ongoing struggles for integrity in various fields, from politics to law enforcement.

For those interested in real-life narratives of courage, Costao serves as a reminder of the personal toll faced by those who choose to uphold honesty against overwhelming odds.

For further insights into government accountability, check out this report on [government whistleblowers](https://www.economist.com/special-report/2022/06/02/government-whistleblowers) by The Economist, which provides a broader context to the struggles depicted in the film.

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