Cinematographer-turned-director Sejal Shah is gearing up for her directorial debut with Costao, a biographical drama starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead. Best known for her visual sensibilities behind the camera, Shah steps into a new role as storyteller with this film, which traces the journey of Costao Fernandes—a Goa Customs officer who made a name for himself through his unwavering stand against smuggling and corruption.
Sejal Shah on choosing Nawazuddin Siddiqui for Costao: “He becomes Costao, avoiding any hint of caricature”
Set against a coastal backdrop rich in local history and political tension, Costao aims to present a grounded portrait of a man who took on the system with quiet resilience. Shah, who co-produces the film, has been developing the project for several years, and says casting Siddiqui was always a non-negotiable decision.
“Many have noted a striking physical and personal resemblance between Nawazuddin Siddiqui and the character Costao, but this was not why I chose him for the role,” Sejal Shah explained. “From the moment we began developing this film, I knew Nawaz was the only actor to bring Costao to life. Costao is not a conventional hero, his complexity and emotional depth demand an actor capable of navigating profound character transformations.”
She added, “Nawaz’s exceptional talent is undeniable, but it’s his ability to infuse every scene with raw intensity, nuanced finesse, and authentic sophistication that sets him apart. He doesn’t merely play the character, he becomes Costao, avoiding any hint of caricature. I waited years to make this film because only Nawaz could deliver the performance this role required.”
The film also features Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal in pivotal roles. It has been produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Bhavesh Mandalia, Sejal Shah, Shyam Sunder, and Faizuddin Siddiqui. Costao will be available for streaming on Zee5 starting May 1, 2025. As the film brings a real-life hero’s untold story to the screen, all eyes will be on Siddiqui’s interpretation of a man defined by conviction, not convention.
Also Read: Costao trailer: Nawazuddin Siddiqui gets framed for murder in this ZEE5 crime drama
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