Dr Ramandeep Mahal reviews Best of the Best

Regardless of the genre, Bollywood films almost always feature at least one large-scale dance number. For those who enjoy Bollywood dance, Netflix has an entire film dedicated to it: Best of the Best. Co-written by Hasan Minhaj and directed by Lena Khan, the film has been described by critics as a delightful cultural crossover, blending Pitch Perfect with Step Up.

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The film draws on Minhaj’s memories of visiting South Asian gatherings during his college years, as well as the competitive Bollywood-fusion dance circuit. It also incorporates interviews with women who participated in the real-life collegiate dance scene. Two childhood friends join a competitive Bollywood-fusion dance team at UCLA, only to discover that the road to the US championship is far more ruthless than they could ever have anticipated.

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Anjali and Maya are completely enamoured with Bollywood dance. When their Bollywood-classical fusion performance goes horribly wrong, leaving one of them with the infamous label ‘Drone Strike Girl’, they find themselves on a path towards redemption. At university, they discover a collegiate competitive dance team, which they eventually join, hoping to make a fresh start.

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Priyanka Kedia (Disclosure Day, Everything to Me, Pleats) as Anjali and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Never Have I Ever, Freakier Friday, Slanted) as Maya work well together. They feel entirely convincing as childhood friends who have known each other for so long that they can almost read each other’s minds. Their banter has a natural rhythm, and their chemistry is one of the film’s strengths.

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The rest of the UCLA dance team is hilarious, full of sarcasm, though few members emerge as prominent characters. Some of the supporting cast members, however, stand out, bringing heart, humour and memorability to the narrative. The dance drama is interspersed with a touch of romance and the inevitable tension between best friends, so there is always another development to look forward to.

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The dance moves are creative, beautifully choreographed and full of passion, sensuality and excitement. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them. The choreography and fluidity are amazing and captivating. The comedy strikes at the right moments, while the interpersonal interactions are sweet, if predictable.

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Critics at Decider have praised both protagonists. While Ramakrishnan commands the screen with ease, Kedia provides the film with the emotional grounding it needs.

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Much of the film is framed by cinematographer Adam Carboni in a radiant, sunlit warmth, interspersed with stunning interludes that transport the audience into starry nights and give the production a pulse reminiscent of a music video. Editor Phillip J. Bartell keeps the scale of Best of the Best expansive but uncluttered, while Khan knows when to step back and let the actors take centre stage.

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Other performances are equally noteworthy. Chaneil Kular, who plays Arjun, makes a strong impression as Maya’s quietly encouraging cheerleader and conscience. Hasan Minhaj, as Professor Hamza Latif, delivers a humorous, slightly clumsy performance. The adorable team captain Ronak, played by Ankur Rathee (Four More Shots Please, Made in Heaven), is determined to win the Best of the Best, the national collegiate Bollywood-fusion dance competition. Having lost to his ex the previous year, he is more determined than ever.

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Despite being the team’s token white player and having no South Asian ancestry, Nico Greetham’s Harry speaks Hindi fluently and occasionally surprises his brown teammates with his cultural references.

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The opening high-school dance sequence is an exuberant, high-stakes performance that sets the scene before going horribly wrong, sending the two friends on a journey towards redemption. Then there are the dream sequences, in which Maya and Anjali drift into their own Bollywood-inspired daydreams.

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At times, however, the interpersonal disputes, misunderstandings and anticipated relationship problems slow the pace, especially when set against the electric energy of the dancing. Some of these conflicts feel hurried and, at times, exhausting.

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A. R. Rahman’s ‘Aamaasee’ is the emotional high point of the film, fusing the energy of Tamil cinema with South Asian American collegiate dance culture. However, the slower narrative disrupts the momentum leading into the final performance.

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I would rate the film 8 out of 10, largely on the strength of its electric dance sequences. If you are a true fan of Bollywood music and dance, this one is worth watching!