Best of the Best Review: Bollywood Dance Comedy Hits Familiar Notes

The Netflix film 'Best of the Best' presents a predictable college comedy narrative centered on a dance competition, yet distinguishes itself through its rapid pacing and exceptional choreography. The plot follows two lifelong best friends, Maya (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) and Anjali (Priyanka Kedia), as they enroll at UCLA and join the college's Bollywood dance club. The film's storyline adheres closely to the established formula of numerous prior college comedies, featuring instantly recognizable plot twists and character archetypes without deviation. However, its comedic timing and brisk execution, coupled with the infectious energy of director Lena Khan, contribute to its appeal. Khan is noted as one of the few Muslim female filmmakers currently active in Hollywood. The screenplay is credited to millennial comedians Hasan Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam, whose work suggests a thorough understanding of Gen Z behavior, potentially enough for doctoral research.

Within the dance club, Maya, characterized as the intelligent and challenging friend, clashes with the club leader, Ronak (Ankur Rathee). Their disagreement stems from Ronak's preference for choreographing routines based on traditional Bollywood weddings, a direction Maya finds outdated. She argues that to outperform rival teams, their group must develop a contemporary and innovative performance. This conflict sets the stage for the central competition, where the friends must navigate their differing creative visions and the pressures of collegiate rivalry. The film's setting within the vibrant world of American university Bollywood dance troupes provides a specific cultural backdrop, blending elements of Indian performance art with the typical dynamics of a campus environment.

Despite the lack of narrative originality, 'Best of the Best' succeeds in being both humorous and dynamic. The direction by Lena Khan imbues the film with a palpable sense of enthusiasm, making the familiar elements of the college comedy genre feel fresh. The script, developed by Minhaj and Venkataramanujam, effectively captures the nuances of contemporary youth culture, grounding the characters and their interactions in relatable experiences. The film's engagement factor is largely attributed to its sharp pacing and the visual spectacle of its dance sequences, which are described as brilliant. The core premise, while unoriginal, is executed with enough flair to hold audience attention, offering a lighthearted take on friendship, competition, and cultural expression within an academic setting. The film's success lies not in its plot innovation but in its spirited delivery and the quality of its musical and dance numbers.