There has always been a place for larger than life heroes in cinema – fascinating, invincible, and sensational. But when a performer of the caliber of Nawazuddin Siddiqui
There has always been a place for larger than life heroes in cinema – fascinating, invincible, and sensational. But when a performer of the caliber of Nawazuddin Siddiqui gets into a part like this, you get a refreshing, down-to-earth treatment. In Costao, he imparts a realism which is not just believable but raises even the notion of heroism itself. Costao’s emotionally riveting and earthbound action drama is presented with none of the extraneous flair, pretended machismo, or overblown grandiosity; instead, it is carried with a brilliant central performance and subtle direction.
This is a film that is not over desiring to impress. And that, if anything, is its biggest strength.
Costao is based in a fictitious small town, wallowing in social suspense, felony, and moral problems. The story narrates the life of Costa, a mysterious but humble person living of his profession as a mechanic, yet having an extraordinarily complex past. This is a story that starts as an ordinary one and then blossoms into a thrilling account of justice, morality and redemption.
There are no superhero clichés and invincible battle scenes here. Rather than dishing out one more hunk-of-junk kingdom, Costao provides an earthy story full of choices, outcomes, and a hero whose power is keeping his fists from pounding.
There are few actors in Indian cinema who can carry a film solely on the strength of their expressions—and Nawazuddin Siddiqui does that effortlessly. In Costao, he plays a man of few words and many layers. His performance is never loud, yet it demands your attention in every frame. In an era where overacting often passes off as “mass” entertainment, Nawaz’s portrayal in Costao is a refreshing antidote.
Directed by Ritwik Pareek, the movie does not rely on perfect sets, stylistic angles, and adrenaline-boosting background scores. Instead, the film employs simple moments, realistic lighting, and real settings to simulate a world. The story-telling is tremendously human – no character, no matter how minor, is gratuitous.
Pareek’s direction makes sure that the viewers are experiencing the story rather than just observing it. The pace is considered, allowing room for breathing of emotion and the lodging of plot points. It’s not the factual occurrence of things in the film but how it is told – a difference-making that distinguishes Costao from hacked-sprained hero-driven movies.
Although Nawazuddin is the heartbeat of this film, the supporting cast adds loads of strength to the story. Every character contributes to the realism of the story.
• Tanishtha Chatterjee is a schoolteacher with whom Costa has a poignant connection, adding an emotional contrast to a hitherto gripping plot.
• Rajesh Tailang as a corrupt local politician is credible and frightening.
• An impressive performance by Rohit Pathak as a local goon that isn’t trite despite the stress he adds to the pieces.
The ensemble will not drown the lead but will enhance him in a manner that will augment the layers of emotion in the film.
The background score provided by Amit Trivedi is understated, so as to avoid the trap of overwhelming scenes with cumbersome music. Rather, it uplifts the mood – whether it is a quiet walk, a quarrel, or something very emotional.
The soundtrack features two standout songs:
Both tracks elevate the narrative without feeling imposed.
Cinematographer Avinash Arun frames Costao in dusty tones and soft shadows that match the melancholic yet hopeful tone of the movie. The streets, fields, and cluttered homes in the film never feel like sets—they feel lived in, raw, and real.
The editing by Aarti Bajaj is tight, with minimal cuts and a smooth narrative flow. There’s a poetic rhythm to the way scenes unfold—especially in emotionally heavy moments that could easily have become overbearing in less skilled hands.
At its heart, Costao is not about action or vengeance—it’s about moral courage, personal redemption, and the silent strength of ordinary people. The film poses hard questions:
Rather than answering these questions, the film lets viewers ponder them through Costa’s journey. And that’s what gives Costao its depth.
If you’re tired of formulaic heroes, high-decibel drama, and predictable narratives, Costao is your breath of fresh air. It’s a film that reminds us how powerful silence can be, how moving a glance can feel, and how realism, when done right, can be just as engaging as fantasy.
This is Nawazuddin Siddiqui at his best, playing a larger-than-life hero in the most realistic way possible. There is, truly, nothing to complain about.
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Costao tells the story about Costa, a quiet mechanic who hides secrets in the past, who finds himself involved in a local struggle for power. The theme of morality, justice, and inner strength is discovered in the film.
Unlike Action heroes, Nawazuddin gives a down to earth and emotional performance. His presentation is subtle and riddled with tremendous power, so that it feels real and believable.
No, Costao is a drama based on characters with minor aspects of action. It primarily emphasizes storytelling, emotions, and realism, as opposed to topping off action sequences or the excess of visuals.
Costao is a film, directed by Ritwik Pareek. His style is minimalist and he uses real venues, natural performances, and depth of feelings.
Absolutely. If you enjoy thoughful realism in storytelling and good performances, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivering his best, Costao must not be missed.
