The high-stakes world of competitive dance is getting a fresh, energetic update on Netflix. Just in time for the back-to-school season, the streaming giant is dropping Best of the Best, a vibrant film that blends collegiate drama with the electrifying world of competitive dance.
Here is a complete breakdown of the plot, the star-studded ensemble cast, and why this release is generating so much internet buzz.
The Plot: College, Clashes, and Choreography
Best of the Best follows two childhood best friends navigating their freshman year at UCLA. Eager to make their mark, the duo joins the university’s highly competitive Bollywood-fusion dance team.
However, they quickly realize they are in way over their heads. The film explores the intense pressure of collegiate competition alongside the messy, transformative personal growth, relationship shifts, and identity crises that define the freshman experience.
The Heavy Hitters in the Cast
The film features an impressive lineup of established South Asian talent and comedy powerhouses:
- Maitreyi Ramakrishnan: Best known for her breakout role as Devi Vishwakumar in Netflix’s hit series Never Have I Ever, Ramakrishnan continues her strong relationship with the platform. Her recent credits also include Freakier Friday and voice work in Turning Red.
- Hasan Minhaj: The acclaimed stand-up comedian, former Daily Show correspondent, and host of The Patriot Act brings his sharp comedic timing to the screen. Minhaj’s acting resume has been growing rapidly with notable roles in The Morning Show, It Ends With Us, and the upcoming Tron: Ares.
- Lilly Singh: The pioneering YouTuber, late-night host, and actress (The Muppets Mayhem, Bad Moms) adds her signature high-energy charisma to the ensemble.
- Janina Gavankar: A seasoned television actress with major roles in The Morning Show, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, and the film Blindspotting.
The Rising Stars and Scene-Stealers
Rounding out the cast is a dynamic group of theatrical talents, rising screen actors, and social media personalities:
- Priyanka Kedia: A fresh face on the scene following roles in Disclosure Day and Everything to Me.
- Chaneil Kular: Widely recognized for his memorable role as Anwar in Netflix's Sex Education.
- Nihar Duvvuri: Fresh off a Broadway run in Romeo + Juliet alongside Rachel Zegler, Duvvuri previously appeared in the film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen.
- Nico Greetham: A prominent face in Ryan Murphy's universe (American Horror Story, The Prom) and Love, Victor.
- Ankur Rathee: A familiar face from Four More Shots Please! and the film Thappad.
- Becky Alex: Making her feature film debut while concurrently touring with the musical Waitress.
- Shreya: A popular curve model and TikTok creator who transition to the screen for this project.
