Sunil Shetty started improving ever since 1997 and post Border(1997), he gave several hits. Despite this success, his old and delayed films like Kala Samrajya(1999) released and ruined his successful streak. What really got him appreciation was his critically acclaimed hits like Border, Hu Tu Tu(1999), and other films like Jungle(2000). More delayed films like Officer(2001) came and flopped because of the negative word of mouth. However, the successful tag stayed because some of his typical action potboilers like Vinashak(1997) became hits at the box office.
Vinashak tells the story of a sincere cop who fights against corruption. When he is too much of a trouble for his enemies, he gets framed for a fake murder and sent to the villain's jail. There, he witnesses the illegal activities taking place and he decides to stop this problem. Not only does he fall in more trouble, his informer gets murdered for a corrupt prisoner. After much physical torture, he is able to escape and revenge his family by murdering the villains one by one. He not only avenges his family but saves the lives of million innocents.
The story is typical but the handling is extremely good. If a few rough edges had been patched, the handled would've been even better. The biggest flaw of the film is the forced comedy track and the unconvincing romance. These are stereotypical elements in an Indian film so these can't be removed. What works the most in the film is Shetty's action and the wonderful dialogs which act as crow pullers. Another advantage is the tittle track which successfully outlines the hero and his situation as the true destroyer(Vinashak).
Direction by Ravi Dewan is surprisingly good, he handles many scenes well. If only he handled some post interval portions better, the pace would've been maintained and the film would've been closer to fantastic. Action is superbly directed by Ravi Dewan, Sunil's films always had Dewan as the action director and surprisingly, this is one action director who succeeds as the main director as well. Writing by Raj Kumar Santoshi is a major advantage as well, the story despite being typical works well because of good moments in the film.
Sunil Shetty does a good job as the typical cop who takes his revenge. He not only excels in stunts but acts properly, there is no shrieking of any kind and he doesn't overact. He has definitely improved and hats off to Mr. Ravi Dewan for helping Sunil become a good actor. Raveena Tandon had only come back to films because Sunil Shetty motivated him to come back, she acts decent and her pairing with Shetty works. However, their chemistry is missing and that ruins some of the first parts of the film. Danny is superb as the sinister villain, he acts well and his expressions are good too. Mukesh Rishi has the well maintained physique of a tough side villain but his acting is wooden as usual, he overacts terribly in parts. Mohan Joshi is wasted in a short villain's role, Alok Nath and Tinnu Anand don't have much to do. However, their death scene is lifted off an English action film. The rest provide decent support.
Music is decent but only one songs leaves a huge mark and that is the catchy title song. If there was a dance sequence for "Vinashak aata hai" then the film would've been slightly better. However, the song is used in Sunil's entry and the credits where a successful Sunil is accepting medals for his successful task. The song is superb and it ties into the movie because it explains the whole situation of the movie.
On the whole, Vinashak is one of Shetty's better action films from the huge list of films he had in the 90s. This time, it's not hit music and poor story, it's hit music and decent story which makes a hit film(in this case Vinashak).
