Set against the gritty backdrop of 1990s Goa, ‘Costao’ tells the gripping story of a fearless customs officer who dared to defy an empire built on smuggling, corruption, and fear.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a powerhouse performance as Costao Fernandes — a sharp, unconventional enforcer whose bold tactics and unrelenting pursuit for justice puts him at odds with both the criminal underworld and the very system he serves. Directed by debutant Sejal Shah, the movie also stars Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar and Hussain Dalal.
Siddiqui said: "Costao is not just a story about a customs officer fighting against a ruthless smuggling empire, it's about the cost of standing up to an entire system built on corruption and betrayal.
“Costao’s courage in the face of unbeatable odds reflects this perfectly. His battle is not only against criminals but against a system that tries to break him at every turn. I can’t wait for viewers to experience the explosive twists, raw emotion, and relentless intensity that ‘Costao’ brings. It’s a story that will keep you at the edge, questioning what’s right, what’s wrong, and what one man is willing to sacrifice for justice.”
Premiering on May 1, Costao’s world is steeped in corruption and ruled by crime. It follows a man whose daring methods and unshakable courage make him both a hero and thorn in the side of the system. When a deadly clash with the brother of a notorious smuggler sparks a high-stakes manhunt, Costao is thrust into a relentless battle for survival. Hunted, betrayed, and on his own, he refuses to give in. He fights — not just for justice, but for his family and his own redemption.
Director Sejal Shah said: “Bringing this world to life has been a challenge and a privilege, and I couldn’t have asked for a better actor than Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play Costao.
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“He brings an unmatched authenticity and complexity to the character. ZEE5 Global has always backed bold, powerful storytelling, and I’m excited to collaborate with them. I can't wait for audiences to experience ‘Costao’ — a story that deserves to be told."
With heart-pounding action, powerful emotional turns, and a protagonist as unpredictable as he is unforgettable, Costao delivers a wild, gripping ride. As everything begins to unravel, one question remains: with a lot of personal sacrifice, audacious courage but sharp instincts, will Costao be able to stand against the empire that runs the show and at what cost?
A ZEE5 spokesperson said: “At ZEE5 Global, we remain steadfast in our mission to tell stories that challenge norms and ignite meaningful dialogue. Real-life stories like Costao hold immense significance for us as they reflect courage, resilience, and truths that deserve to be seen and heard. The film is a strong addition to our expanding original film slate, with a story that is not only compelling but also thought-provoking.
“Our collaboration with the makers reflects a shared vision for delivering powerful narratives that go beyond the expected. As we continue to focus on differentiated storytelling, we are proud to back films like ‘Costao’ that leave a deep and lasting impression on viewers.”
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Producer Vinod Bhanushali added: "We've always loved creating untold stories that are as interesting as they are unique, and ‘Costao’ is the perfect example of that. With Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead, you know you're in for something special.
“His performance as Costao is pure magic — raw, intense, and layered in a way that will keep you hooked from the very first second.”
*Info: Costao Trailer
