Nawazuddin Siddiqui Braved Crocodile-Infested Lake for Intense ‘Costao’ Sequence

In a display of unwavering dedication to his craft, acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui recently plunged into a lake teeming with crocodiles to film a crucial action sequence for his upcoming film, ‘Costao’. Directed by Sejal Shah, the gritty crime drama, set to release on Zee5 on May 1st, demanded a high level of authenticity, pushing the actors, including Siddiqui, to their limits.

Director Sejal Shah revealed the astonishing details of this daring feat, emphasizing the commitment of the entire team to deliver a raw and real cinematic experience. According to Shah, Siddiqui, who portrays a customs officer from Goa named Costao Fernandes, insisted on performing the stunt himself despite not being a trained swimmer.

“Nawaz always took on tough scenes with the most energy,” Shah stated in a recent interview. “There’s a moment in the film where he has to dive into a lake, but the lake had crocodiles, and he insisted on doing it for real, even though he isn’t a great swimmer. He did it with full conviction.”  

This jaw-dropping anecdote underscores Siddiqui’s dedication to embodying his characters fully and lending an unparalleled sense of realism to his performances. The scene promises to be a pivotal moment in ‘Costao’, a film that delves into the dangerous underbelly of smuggling operations in Goa.

Adding to the intensity, Shah also shared another incident where Siddiqui performed a high-speed bike chase sequence where the bike’s brakes failed. Despite the perilous situation, the actor continued with the shot without breaking character, showcasing his professionalism and commitment to the director’s vision.

‘Costao’ is based on the life of a real customs officer and features a stellar cast including Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar Huli, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal. The film is produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Bhavesh Mandalia, Sejal Shah, Shyam Sunder, and Faizuddin Siddiqui.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s willingness to face genuine danger, including swimming in a crocodile-infested lake, highlights the extraordinary lengths he goes to for his roles. Audiences can witness this intense performance and the gripping narrative of ‘Costao’ when it premieres on Zee5.