Lena Khan directs ‘Best of the Best,’ a Bollywood fusion dance film about college friends on a competitive dance team, now streaming on Netflix.
Lena Khan's much-anticipated film ‘Best of the Best’ premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2026. This scripted feature film centers around the competitive world of Bollywood fusion dance, particularly highlighting its popularity on American college campuses. The film follows childhood friends Maya and Anjali as they navigate the challenges of joining UCLA's competitive dance team.
As reported by Variety, the film explores how competitive Bollywood fusion dance has not previously been a focal point in mainstream cinema despite its long-standing presence within American college culture. Khan’s film breaks new ground by bringing this vibrant art form to a wider audience, illustrating a unique blend of cultural influence and American youth life.
Khan’s film sketches a vivid narrative of friendship, ambition, and cultural identity. Maya and Anjali's journey through the competitive dance landscape reveals the cutthroat nature of the championship aspirations they hold. The story is co-written by Hasan Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam, both of whom drew from their own experiences in similar dance competitions during their youth, reinforcing the film's authenticity.
Khan also emphasizes the importance of representation in storytelling, stating that the film showcases South Asian narratives in a way that fosters respect and pride, contrasting with the stereotypical portrayals often seen in media. She hopes to elevate the cultural significance of South Asian stories, moving beyond previous depictions of ethnic minorities.
The casting process for ‘Best of the Best’ required actors adept in both comedic depth and dance. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who plays one of the leads, underwent an athletic transformation for her role, leading to months of intense dance training. Khan challenged Ramakrishnan to embody a unique physical energy reminiscent of actors like Channing Tatum and Christian Bale, highlighting the film's commitment to authenticity in its dance sequences.
Under Khan’s direction, the dance numbers integrate various regional styles, enriching the choreography and resonating with the team's diverse identities. The choreographic team, including Phillip Chbeeb, Makenzie Dustman, and Joya Kazi, engaged with each dance sequence through a thoughtful creative process aimed at amplifying the film's message.
Khan reflected on the evolving landscape for South Asian narratives in cinema, noting a shift since her previous work in 'The Tiger Hunter' (2016). However, she acknowledges ongoing shortcomings, especially in romantic comedies featuring South Asian leads. The film intentionally subverts norms, positioning a white character as the token minority, which speaks to the dynamics of representation in contemporary media.
The music selections also mark a pivotal point in the film, with contributions from emerging South Asian artists, bringing new energy and modern relevance to the soundtrack.
Lena Khan’s ‘Best of the Best’ offers a bold and fresh perspective on Bollywood fusion dance, catering not only to dance enthusiasts but also to a broader audience eager for diverse storylines. By leveraging the competitive dance backdrop, Khan seeks to create a sense of pride within South Asian communities while inviting all viewers to appreciate the intricacies of these cultural narratives.
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