Bollywood star Nawazuddin Siddiqui is poised to enthral audiences with his upcoming film, Costao. The film’s latest trailer has created quite a buzz, revealing the intense journey of Nawazuddin’s character, who embarks on a mission to dismantle Goa’s largest gold smuggling operation, only to find himself at odds with the very system he serves.

Nawazuddin takes on the role of Costao Fernandes, a courageous customs officer who challenges a powerful smuggling syndicate in the 1990s. The trailer captures his determination to bring the gold smuggling ring to justice, leading to his shocking betrayal by the authorities and a wrongful murder charge. As he battles not only criminals but also a corrupt establishment, the stakes are raised even higher when the safety of his family is thrown into jeopardy.

ZEE5, the platform sharing the trailer, aptly described the film’s premise: “This is the story of a true hero, a Customs Officer who confronted an entire crime network. It’s not just a fight; it’s a legacy forged in sacrifice.”

Fans of Nawazuddin have expressed their excitement online, with comments such as, “The old Nawazuddin is back. This is going to be exciting!” and “Nawazuddin is on fire.” Another viewer remarked, “What we’ve seen in the trailer is just a glimpse; I can’t wait for the full performance!” Many are also praising the impeccable dialogue writing, referring to it as genius.

About Costao
Directed by debutant Sejal Shah, Costao boasts a talented cast, including Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal in key roles. The film is produced by Bhanushali Studios Limited in association with Bombay Fables Motion Pictures and is set to premiere on ZEE5 on May 1.

The synopsis of the film provides deeper insight: “In a world steeped in corruption and crime, Costao follows a man whose audacity and courage make him both a hero and a thorn in the side of the system. After a deadly clash with the brother of a notorious smuggler triggers a high-stakes manhunt, Costao’s relentless battle for survival leads him to confront not only the empire that runs the show but also his own limits.”

Bollywood actor Soha Ali Khan is making her return to acting with “Chhorii 2” after a seven-year break. She shares that her journey into parenthood led her to drift away from films, but she has since realized it’s time to rediscover her personal identity.

Soha, recognized for her roles in films like “Rang De Basanti,” “Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster,” “Tum Mile,” and “Ahista Ahista,” gave birth to her daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu in 2017 with her husband, actor and filmmaker Kunal Kemmu. Her last appearance on screen was in “Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3,” which came out in 2018.

Reflecting on her time away from the industry, she told PTI, “Honestly, becoming a parent consumed me entirely. I became so fixated on my child that I lost touch with films, friends, family, and even my husband. Now that she’s growing more independent, I feel the need to discover who I am again.”

Soha added, “I’ve come to realize that it’s important not to lose oneself. I was one of those who did, and now I’m on a journey to rediscover myself. I love acting, and while I took a break, I’m excited to be back.”

When approached by director Vishal Furia and producer Vikram Malhotra to portray the antagonist in “Chhorii 2,” the 46-year-old actress eagerly accepted the role.

“The actress in me was thrilled at the prospect of playing an antagonist, and I have a passion for horror. It’s such a captivating genre that, when done well, can leave a lasting impression. I remember watching my first horror film at a young age—I was so frightened that I couldn’t sleep for three months! That’s the power of good horror,” she reminisced.

The original “Chhorii,” released in 2021, focused on a pregnant woman named Sakshi, played by Nushratt Bharuccha, who faces malevolent spirits targeting her unborn child. It was a remake of Furia’s 2017 Marathi film “Lapachhapi.”

The sequel continues Sakshi’s story and premieres on Prime Video, bringing back familiar characters while introducing new elements of fear.

Despite her enthusiasm for the role, Soha initially had reservations about her appearance as an antagonist. “I was concerned about how I would portray a slightly monstrous character; I didn’t want it to appear poorly executed or cliché. Indian horror has a unique way of being represented,” she admitted.

“Yet, it was a leap of faith. I trust my team completely, and I’m delighted with the results. After seeing the film, it has far exceeded my expectations,” she concluded.

“Chhorii 2” is a collaborative effort from T-Series, Abundantia Entertainment, Psych, and Tamarisk Lane Productions.

Akshay Kumar has responded to criticisms of his social dramas, including “Padman,” asserting that only a fool would condemn such films. However, he quickly amended his stance upon learning about Jaya Bachchan’s negative comments regarding the title of his film “Toilet Ek Prem Katha.”

“If she’s said that, then it must hold some truth,” the actor conceded when informed about Bachchan’s remarks. “If I made a mistake with a title like ‘Toilet Ek Prem Katha’ and she feels that way, then she may be right.”

Initially, Akshay dismissed the idea that his films faced criticism, stating, “I don’t believe anyone has truly criticized my work; only a fool would do that. Films like ‘Padman,’ ‘Airlift,’ ‘Toilet Ek Prem Katha,’ ‘Kesari,’ and ‘Kesari 2’ have all been made with great passion. They impart valuable lessons, and I haven’t come across real criticism of them.”

The film “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” was particularly notable for supporting the government’s initiative against open defecation. In a recent interview with India TV, Jaya Bachchan expressed her disapproval, stating that she would never watch a film with “toilet” in its title. “I would never go to see a movie with such a name. Is that truly a name?” she remarked.

Akshay emphasized his commitment to driving positive change through cinema, explaining, “It’s always about effort. For instance, ‘Toilet’ aimed to ensure there was a toilet in every home, and the government still shows the film for free in villages. ‘Padman’ intended to create an open dialogue between daughters and fathers about menstrual hygiene. These films strive to raise awareness and touch people’s lives.”

Looking ahead, Akshay’s upcoming release “Kesari 2,” featuring Ananya Panday and R. Madhavan, is set to hit theaters on April 18. The film is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.