Real Vs Reel | Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Costao movie: Who was Costao Fernandes?

Renowned for his exceptional bravery and dedication in combating smuggling activities. Joining the Goa Customs as a Preventive Officer in 1979, Fernandes became celebrated for his courageous actions against criminals and smugglers, often putting his life at risk. He made history by catching a massive gold smuggling operation in the 1990s.

According to a report published in Pinkvilla, one of his most notable acts occurred in 1991 when he single-handedly thwarted a significant gold smuggling operation involving Alvernaz Alemao, the brother of politician Churchill Alemao. In the ensuing confrontation, Fernandes sustained injuries, and Alemao later succumbed to his wounds. Despite facing numerous challenges, Fernandes successfully built a case against the Alemao brothers, leading to their detention under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA). ​

The film _Costao_ shows how the life of Costao Fernandes  is filled with small joys and empathy. Yet his love and honesty towards his job changes everything. Costao selflessly loved his job and his country. His passion for his job completely destroyed not only his life, but his family’s too when he accidently killed a politically-connected smuggler in self-defence. After long struggles and several trials in the court, he was proved not guilty.

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For his bravery and honesty Fernandes was honored with the President’s Award in 1996. He is now a full-time fitness trainer and lives with his daughter in Mumbai away from the public eye.

WATCH the trailer of ZEE5’s Costao here: