Netflix has officially announced Best of the Best, a vibrant coming-of-age dance comedy set to premiere on the streaming platform on September 18.

The film, which blends the high-energy world of competitive collegiate Bollywood-fusion dance with themes of friendship, ambition, and personal growth, marks a fresh addition to Netflix’s slate of original comedies.

At the heart of the story are two childhood best friends, Maya and Anjali, played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Priyanka Kedia respectively. The pair joins UCLA’s competitive Bollywood dance team, expecting a fun extension of their shared passion for dance.

Instead, they encounter a cutthroat environment where rivalries run deep, alliances shift, and the pressure to win the national championship tests not only their skills but the very foundation of their friendship.

Ramakrishnan, best known for her breakout role as Devi Vishwakumar in Never Have I Ever, brings her signature blend of humor and heart to Maya. Kedia, who previously appeared in Everything To Me, steps into the spotlight as Anjali. Their on-screen chemistry is expected to anchor the film’s emotional core, portraying the joys and growing pains of young adulthood through the lens of South Asian cultural expression.

The project reunites Ramakrishnan with director Lena Khan, who helmed several episodes of Never Have I Ever. Khan’s experience with authentic storytelling in South Asian-American narratives makes her a fitting choice. “The thing that enchanted me most about the script was that it was seven different movies in one,” Khan has said, highlighting the film’s mix of comedy, drama, romance, and high-stakes dance sequences.

Hasan Minhaj, the acclaimed comedian and host of Patriot Act, not only stars in the film but co-wrote the screenplay with Prashanth Venkataramanujam. Minhaj’s involvement adds layers of sharp wit and cultural insight. The ensemble cast further bolsters the production, featuring Chaneil Kular (Sex Education), Ankur Rathee (Shehzada), Lilly Singh, Janina Gavankar (The Morning Show), Sasha Bhasin (XO, Kitty), Saara Chaudry, and others including Shreya Navile, Becky Alex, Nihar Duvvuri, Nico Greetham, Amryn Khurana, and Tanishq Joshi.

Production emphasized authenticity in the dance elements. Ramakrishnan and Kedia underwent an intensive four-month “dance bootcamp,” training for up to 40 hours a week with professional choreographers.

The sequences, crafted by a team including Phillip Chbeeb, Makenzie Dustman, and Joya Kazi, are designed to advance the plot rather than serve as mere spectacle, each routine reflecting character development, team dynamics, and cultural vibrancy.

Best of the Best arrives at a time when South Asian representation in mainstream Hollywood continues to expand. College Bollywood dance teams have become vital spaces for cultural connection and community building on campuses across North America.

The film taps into this reality while delivering crowd-pleasing entertainment reminiscent of classics like Bring It On crossed with heartfelt coming-of-age stories such as Booksmart.

Behind the camera, the film is produced with involvement from Minhaj and Venkataramanujam’s 186K Films, along with Jonathan Eirich for Rideback and executive producers including Ryan Halprin. This collaborative effort aims to deliver a joyful, music-filled experience that celebrates sisterhood and self-acceptance amid fierce competition.

Public Reaction

Early buzz around the announcement has been positive, with fans expressing excitement over the cast and premise. Social media reactions highlight anticipation for Ramakrishnan’s return to Netflix and the fresh take on competitive dance. The first-look images released alongside the announcement showcase colorful costumes, dynamic group performances, intimate friendship moments, and the high-energy atmosphere of campus life and competitions.

As Netflix continues to invest in diverse storytelling, Best of the Best stands out for its focus on underrepresented aspects of the South Asian diaspora experience particularly the role of dance in identity formation and social bonds. The film promises laughs, emotional depth, and show-stopping routines that could inspire viewers to hit the dance floor themselves.

With its September 18 premiere date, Best of the Best is poised to become a must-watch fall release. Netflix appears confident this will resonate widely, positioning it as a flagship title for the season.