Meet Costao Fernandes, The Customs Officer Whose Heroics Inspired Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Film

Last Updated:May 01, 2025, 15:25 IST

Costao Fernandes carried out a high-risk operation after he received a tip about the gold smuggling racket led by Alvernaz Alemao.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer Costao is now available on ZEE5. The film follows a customs officer who faces challenges and goes to extreme lengths to reveal a smuggling syndicate. The storyline focuses on the officer’s personal and professional challenges as he works to expose the smugglers. The film is based on a real story and is inspired by Tony da Costa Fernandes, who, despite facing challenges, took down the smugglers. The film highlights the evil of corruption and highlights Costa Fernandes’ courage and dedication.

Costa Fernandes was born on April 26, 1942, in Angola and served as an ambassador to Egypt, the United Kingdom, and India. During his tenure as a Preventive Officer with Goa Customs, Fernandes was aware of a huge gold smuggling syndicate. Fernandes carried out a high-risk operation after he received a tip about the gold smuggling racket led by Alvernaz Alemao. Alvernaz was the brother of former Goa Chief Minister Churchill Alemao, hence the case became difficult for Fernandes due to Alvernaz’s involvement in politics. Despite facing a lot of challenges, Fernandes chased down Alvernaz in a dramatic car chase and had to use his weapon in self-defence, which ultimately killed Alvernaz. This dramatic operation caught people’s eyes and made headlines around the country. Ultimately, the Alemao brothers were arrested and Fernandes was awarded the President’s Award for his commendable bravery in 1996.

Directed by Sejal Shah, the movie showcases this real-life story of Costao Fernandes and how he carried out the high-risk operation. Along with Nawazuddin Siddiqui Priya Bapat, Hussain Dalal, Gagan Dev Riar and other actors are seen in the prominent roles. This film has already created a considerable buzz among the audiences and raise issues like corruption, misuse of power and focuses on the importance of justice and moral courage.

As per Times Now reports, to prepare for his role, Nawazuddin Siddiqui met the real-life Costao Fernandes and studied his mannerisms and life experiences. “He made it a point to meet him just before shooting, ensuring he could authentically embody the character with precision,” Times Now reported.

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