One of the most highly anticipated OTT releases of 2025, ‘Costao’, is all set to premiere on ZEE5 on May 1, 2025. With Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead, portraying the unsung hero Costao Fernandes, the film promises to deliver a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and justice. Based on a real-life story, Costao brings to light the extraordinary efforts of a modest customs officer from Goa who dared to stand against a powerful smuggling empire during the turbulent 1990s.
Costao OTT Release Date
Costao is all set to be premiered on 01 May 2025 on Zee5.
More than just a biographical crime drama, Costao is a tribute to India’s unsung heroes—those who quietly work behind the scenes, upholding integrity in an increasingly complex and corrupt world. The film poses a powerful question: What is the cost of standing up for what is right in a system that rewards silence?
Fernandes’ character arc—his commitment to justice despite personal risk—resonates deeply in today’s world. The film masterfully explores the moral dilemmas faced by government officers and the loneliness that accompanies true integrity.
Adding to the drama are: Realistic depictions of 90s Goa, including the fashion, infrastructure, and bureaucratic setup. High production values that enhance the storytelling without over-dramatizing it. A suspense-filled atmosphere, punctuated by moments of quiet reflection and explosive action.
When and Where to Watch Costao
You can watch this crime thriller on Zee5 from 01 May 2025.
Mark your calendars! Costao is set to release exclusively on ZEE5 on May 1, 2025. With ZEE5’s growing reputation for delivering quality original content, this premiere is expected to draw huge viewership, both from India and abroad.
On April 14, ZEE5 officially announced the teaser on Instagram, writing: One Customs Officer. One Corrupt System. One Impossible Fight! #Costao Teaser Out Now. The teaser sparked immediate buzz online, with fans eager to see Nawazuddin in yet another intense role, and intrigued by the story of Costao Fernandes.
ZEE5 subscribers can look forward to watching Costao with high-quality streaming and seamless navigation across all devices, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience.
Whether you’re at home or on-the-go, the platform offers Full HD streaming, subtitles for better accessibility, and compatibility with mobile phones, tablets, and smart TVs. Thanks to ZEE5’s global reach, international audiences won’t miss out on this powerful Indian tale of bravery, making Costao easily accessible to viewers around the world.
Costao Movie Story
Set against the vibrant yet shadowy backdrop of 1990s Goa, Costao dives deep into a world far removed from the postcard-perfect image of sandy beaches and carefree tourism. This was a time when organized crime and smuggling rings ran rampant, exploiting the loopholes in a reforming Indian economy.
Goa, though small in size, became a significant point of illegal activities, especially gold smuggling—a lucrative black market trade during that era. At the heart of this thrilling tale is Costao Fernandes, a humble yet fiercely dedicated customs officer, who refused to stay silent in the face of corruption.
The film chronicles his transformation from a quiet government servant to a national hero, remembered for his unmatched bravery and tactical intelligence. Fernandes uncovers a massive smuggling operation, putting his own life and career on the line to take down a criminal empire single-handedly.
The narrative reaches its climax when Fernandes is forced to kill a notorious drug lord in self-defense. This event becomes the catalyst for a chain of dramatic and dangerous consequences, including threats from the underworld, pressure from political figures, and a growing sense of alienation from those around him.
Cast and Crew of Costao Movie
Leading the cast is Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his intense and immersive performances in films like Sacred Games, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Raman Raghav 2.0. In Costao, he brings depth and nuance to the role of a principled officer, capturing both the emotional turmoil and moral strength of Fernandes.
Supporting Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Costao is a talented ensemble cast that brings depth and authenticity to the narrative. Priya Bapat plays a crucial role in Fernandes’ personal life, adding emotional nuance to the story.
Kishor Kumar Huli, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal also deliver compelling performances, portraying characters who either support or challenge Fernandes as he navigates his high-stakes battle against smuggling. Each actor contributes meaningfully to the layered storytelling, enhancing the film’s emotional and dramatic impact.
The film is directed by Sejal Shah and written by Bhavesh Mandalia, both of whom have a keen eye for storytelling that blends realism with cinematic flair. With tight scripting, grounded direction, and realistic dialogues, Costao ensures that the audience stays immersed from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of real-life inspired thrillers, crime dramas with heart, and performances that stir deep emotions, then Costao is an absolute must-watch. This gripping film not only offers intense action and suspense but also dives into the emotional and moral struggles of a lone hero standing against a corrupt system.
With Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivering one of his most powerful performances, Costao promises to be both thrilling and thought-provoking—making it perfect for viewers who appreciate stories grounded in truth and driven by courage.
With Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivering yet another powerful performance, and a storyline that’s both gripping and deeply inspiring, Costao is not just a movie—it’s a cinematic salute to the spirit of resistance and patriotism.
The film reminds us that heroes don’t always wear uniforms or capes—sometimes, they work quietly, behind dusty desks and dimly lit offices, choosing honor over convenience every single day. So, don’t miss the premiere on May 1, 2025, only on ZEE5.
