Costao Review : A lacklustre biopic that tests your patience

Story: Costao is a biographical crime drama that chronicles the life of Costao Fernandes (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a principled customs officer in 1990s Goa. As he delves into a gold smuggling syndicate, his unwavering commitment to justice leads him into perilous confrontations, both professionally and personally, ultimately branding him a fugitive.

Review: Biographical films often grapple with balancing factual storytelling and cinematic engagement. Costao, while inspired by real events, positions itself as a work of fiction, drawing loosely from the life of customs officer Costao Fernandes. Despite the rich potential of its premise, the film struggles to deliver a compelling narrative.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Costao's daughter, Marissa (Asmi Deo), who introduces us to her father's unwavering dedication to his duty. This narrative choice aims to provide a personal touch, yet it inadvertently distances the audience from the protagonist's internal struggles. The screenplay, penned by Bhavesh Mandalia and Meghna Srivastava, takes its time establishing Costao's character but fails to delve deeply into his motivations or the complexities of his moral compass.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, portraying Costao Fernandes, brings his signature intensity to the role. His performance stands out, capturing the nuances of a man torn between duty and personal turmoil. However, the script offers limited scope for character development, rendering his efforts somewhat constrained.

The film's pacing is notably sluggish. After a promising start, the story starts to drag, focusing on repetitive domestic disputes between Costao and his wife, Mariya (Priya Bapat), and predictable confrontations with corrupt customs and CBI officials. These sequences are important to the film’s plot, yet they seem to add little to the overarching plot and diminish the story's momentum.

Goa's vibrant backdrop is underutilised, serving more as a cursory setting than an integral part of the story. The film misses opportunities to incorporate the region's unique cultural and socio-political landscape into the storyline, which could have enriched the plot.

Musically, Ajay Jayanthi's score fails to leave a lasting impression. The soundtrack lacks the emotional depth and thematic resonance needed to elevate the film's dramatic moments.

In conclusion, Costao aspires to be a gripping tale of integrity and sacrifice but falls short due to its underwhelming script and lackluster storytelling. While Nawazuddin Siddiqui's performance offers glimpses of brilliance, the film ultimately doesn't capitalise on the intriguing real-life events it draws inspiration from.