When friendship finds its rhythm

Netflix's 'Best of the Best' blends Bollywood-fusion dance with a coming-of-age story about identity and ambition

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is set to return to the spotlight in a vibrant coming-of-age comedy that celebrates friendship, identity and the energy of Bollywood-fusion dance, as Netflix prepares to premiere 'Best of the Best' on September 18.

The film pairs Ramakrishnan, best known for 'Never Have I Ever', with Priyanka Kedia in a story that follows two childhood friends navigating the fiercely competitive world of collegiate dance. Alongside them is comedian and actor Hasan Minhaj, who also co-wrote the screenplay with longtime collaborator Prashanth Venkataramanujam, bringing a personal perspective to a project rooted in South Asian culture and campus life.

Set at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 'Best of the Best' follows Maya and Anjali as they join the university's Bollywood-fusion dance team, only to discover that the journey to the US championship is far more demanding, emotional and competitive than they expected. The film blends dance, friendship and self-discovery against the backdrop of an increasingly popular college dance circuit.

According to Netflix Tudum, Minhaj describes the film as a story about sisterhood, friendship and self-acceptance, while Venkataramanujam says its central theme is the desire to be seen. Both also serve as producers through 186K Films, alongside Jonathan Eirich of Rideback, with Ryan Halprin and Ellen Schwartz serving as executive producers.

Director Lena Khan said the screenplay immediately stood out because it combined several genres into one story. She described it as a dance film, a friendship story and a spectacle driven by ambition, while also carrying emotional depth. The combination, she said, offers audiences an entertaining experience without sacrificing heartfelt storytelling.

The idea for the film emerged after Minhaj and Venkataramanujam completed work on 'Patriot Act' in 2020. Looking for a lighter creative project, they turned to memories of their university years, recalling the rivalries, friendships and drama that surrounded South Asian dance competitions on American campuses. Those experiences ultimately shaped the foundation of 'Best of the Best'.

Both writers drew from their own college experiences - Minhaj at the University of California, Davis, and Venkataramanujam at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - where Bollywood-fusion dance competitions served as important spaces for cultural expression and community building. They wanted the film to reflect a period in which many young South Asians celebrated both their identity and their shared love of dance.

Venkataramanujam said many students balancing demanding academic programmes also devoted hours each evening to rehearsals, making the dance circuit a major creative outlet. The filmmakers hope the movie introduces a wider audience to that unique world while capturing the excitement and emotion that surround it.

The creative team also found inspiration in 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before', admiring its warmth, tenderness and emotional tone, while Khan cited 'Dope' and 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' as influences on the film's visual style. She envisioned a colourful, music video-inspired aesthetic that would complement the story's youthful energy.

The cast also includes Chaneil Kular, Ankur Rathee, Shreya Navile, Becky Alex, Nihar Duvvuri, Nico Greetham, Amryn Khurana, Tanishq Joshi, Lilly Singh, Sasha Bhasin, Janina Gavankar and Saara Chaudry. 'Best of the Best' will premiere on Netflix on September 18, bringing a story of ambition, friendship and Bollywood-inspired dance to audiences worldwide.