Why Did Sejal Shah Choose to Direct ‘Costao’?
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Synopsis
In her directorial debut, Sejal Shah reveals the inspiring journey behind the making of ‘Costao,’ a gripping tale based on a heroic customs officer from Goa. With support from Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vinod, she navigates the challenges of portraying a complex narrative set in the 90s smuggling world. Don't miss the premiere on May 1!
Key Takeaways
- Sejal Shah's directorial debut showcases a unique narrative.
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui's involvement adds star power to the project.
- The film authentically depicts the 90s smuggling era.
- It highlights the often-overlooked role of customs officers.
- The film is based on a true story, enhancing its emotional impact.
Mumbai, April 28 (NationPress) Sejal Shah is making her directorial debut with the Nawazuddin Siddiqui-led biographical drama “Costao”.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, she shared her motivations for selecting this particular narrative, along with the obstacles she encountered during production.
Sejal explained to IANS, “I stumbled upon the story of Kostav and felt an undeniable urge to bring it to life. We eventually transformed it into a script. What intrigued me the most was the hero’s courageous and intricate journey. I was lucky to have the support of Nawaz and Vinod for this project. Surprisingly, my debut journey was far more seamless than I had anticipated—many newcomers don’t experience such fortune.”
When questioned about the relevance of “Costao”, which delves into the smuggling scene of the 90s, Sejal responded, “We aimed for an authentic portrayal of the 90s. Crafting a period piece is always a challenge—it took considerable time to find suitable locations and recreate that era visually. However, we did not glamorize it. Instead, we presented the reality. Most people are unaware of the actual responsibilities of customs officers during that time, particularly in Goa. Their roles were far more complicated than the typical representations found in Hindi films, where law enforcement usually takes center stage. Customs intelligence work is incredibly demanding, and many officers risked their lives without formal training. This role truly deserves recognition.”
Meanwhile, regarding the motivations behind choosing to embark on “Costao”, Nawazuddin stated, “There can't be just one reason. Several factors influenced my decision. However, if I had to pinpoint a few, it would be the two individuals beside me—Sejal and Vinod—who played major roles. The writing was exceptional. And of course, it was about Costao —his remarkable personality and life story. His bravery, integrity, discipline, and courage deeply affected me.”
Based on the real-life account of Costao Fernandes, a customs officer from Goa who risked everything to dismantle a significant gold smuggling operation, “Costao” is set to premiere on May 1 on ZEE5.
Point of View
I believe that Sejal Shah's directorial debut with ‘Costao’ is a significant contribution to Indian cinema. Her focus on authenticity in storytelling and the portrayal of complex characters reflects a growing trend in the industry towards nuanced narratives. This film not only sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the 90s but also honors the real-life heroes working behind the scenes.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sejal Shah?
Sejal Shah is a filmmaker making her directorial debut with the biographical drama 'Costao,' featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
What is 'Costao' about?
'Costao' tells the true story of Costao Fernandes, a Goa customs officer who fought against a major gold smuggling operation.
When is the premiere of 'Costao'?
'Costao' is set to premiere on May 1 on the streaming platform ZEE5.
What challenges did Sejal face in making 'Costao'?
Sejal faced challenges in authentically recreating the 90s era, including finding suitable filming locations and ensuring an accurate portrayal of customs officers' roles.
Why is 'Costao' relevant today?
'Costao' highlights the complexities of customs work in the 90s, shedding light on a crucial aspect of law enforcement that is often overlooked in mainstream media.
