Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sejal Shah on Challenges of Bringing True Heroism to Screen for ZEE5 Global’s ‘Costao’: ‘It’s About Bravery, Honesty, Discipline and Suffering’

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Real heroism comes at a devastating cost in Indian film “Costao.”

In conversation with EbMaster, director Sejal Shah candidly admits that success doesn’t always come as planned, especially in reference to her true-life drama debuting on ZEE5 Global. The movie delves into the traditions of Goa, focusing on Costao Fernandes, a customs officer who made headlines by thwarting a significant gold smuggling case in the 90s. However, his life unraveled when he defended himself against a politically influential culprit involved in the operation.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one of India’s most active and well-regarded performers in recent times, has garnered acclaim for roles in films such as “Manto,” “Raman Raghav,” “Gangs of Wasseypur,” “The Lunchbox,” and television series including Netflix’s “Sacred Games” and Amazon Prime Video’s “McMafia.” His work in the 2020 Netflix film, “Serious Men,” earned him an International Emmy nomination.

Costao’s voyage is truly remarkable, marked by courage, integrity, dedication, and hardship, as Siddiqui explains. When selecting a script, I often ponder the qualities of the character, and Costao’s traits were particularly intriguing. At times, he can be quite peculiar – he possesses an unusual sense of humor, finding humor in his own words.

Siddiqui shares that he had multiple encounters with Costao both before and during the filming process. He aimed to depict him authentically, avoiding any imitations yet preserving his true spirit. It was crucial for him to avoid portraying a caricature-like figure, as he clarified.

The actor found it difficult to play Costao’s dual persona, given that he transforms when at work but is different with his family. As Siddiqui points out, “Costao is complex, with many shades of grey.” When depicting a real person, the focus should not solely be on highlighting their positive traits.

For Siddiqui, one of the scenes that struck him deeply is when Costao goes to the grave of the man he unintentionally killed. In this cemetery scene, Costao tells the deceased, “You understand that I didn’t kill you on purpose. I didn’t mean to take your life. Only you know this truth. I can’t show this anywhere – not in court, not anywhere else.” This particular scene was particularly moving for him.

Director Shah, after a year’s worth of investigation and scriptwriting alongside the genuine Costao, acknowledges that turning a true tale presented distinctive hurdles. “Since most of the events are authentic,” she admits, “it wasn’t particularly hard for me to add dramatic elements.” However, she clarifies, when co-writer Bhavesh attempted to dramatize it, we didn’t just ignore what truly transpired in his life.

Shah points out that the movie departs from traditional biopic patterns by incorporating elements of tragedy rather than just triumph. “While it maintains the structure of a biopic,” she clarifies, “it’s important to note that our protagonist doesn’t end up victorious. Instead, it showcases the challenges and struggles faced by those who strive to be heroes.

Shah’s path from journalism to film directing was an unanticipated move. For eight years, she worked as a journalist for The Week, but then decided to pursue filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. After making documentaries, she partnered with writer Bhavesh Mandalia and established Bombay Fables, eventually shifting her focus from directing to producing. This company achieved success with “Serious Men,” a Netflix production starring Siddiqui and directed by Sudhir Mishra.

In her early career, Shah clarified that she hadn’t planned on creating movies. Rather, she found joy in the prospect of delving into documentaries as a journalist, shifting from writing with a pen to capturing stories with a camera instead.

In “Costao,” Shah intended to portray an accurate depiction of 1990s Goa that was untouched by tourist crowds. She describes it as a charming environment, stating, “The Goa in the film isn’t the usual Goa filled with tourists and such. This is the genuine Goa.

Costao Fernandes, the genuine one, has already watched the movie and responded favorably. As Shah shares, “He was genuinely very pleased with the film. He was moved to tears, almost overwhelmed.” This moment was significant because I was quite anxious as he watched the film, more so than anyone else.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t wait for you all to witness the film I’ve worked on. It’s not just about courage, it’s about the struggle that comes with being brave. This story is about an ordinary person standing up for their convictions, battling through adversities. But it’s more than that, it’s a journey towards redemption and learning to forgive – both ourselves and others.

As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled that my work, such as what I’ve done on streaming giants like Netflix, has garnered a global fanbase. Yet, I harbor an even greater ambition for my upcoming project, “Costao.” I fervently hope that the expansive reach of ZEE5 Global will enable this film to transcend borders and captivate audiences worldwide. In fact, I can’t help but express my sincere wish that people from every corner of the globe get a chance to witness this cinematic creation.

Moving forward, Siddiqui discloses that he is actively engaged in multiple ventures, such as “Thama,” the sequel to “Raat Akeli Hai” titled “Raat Akeli Hai Part 2,” and “Section 108.

Costao” is a production by Bombay Fables, Bhanushali Studios, and Zee Studios, and it will be available for streaming starting from May 1st on ZEE5 Global.

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2025-04-29 13:17