Netflix has released the full cast and character list for "Best of the Best," a new coming-of-age comedy following two best friends who enter the competitive world of college Bollywood fusion dance. The film stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Priyanka Kedia as Maya and Anjali, the pair whose friendship drives the story, alongside Hasan Minhaj, Chaneil Kular, Ankur Rathee, Shreya Navile, Nico Greetham, Lilly Singh, Janina Gavankar and Kavi Ramachandran.
The film is directed by Lena Khan, known for "Flora & Ulysses." Khan told Netflix's Tudum that what most captivated her about the script was that it felt like seven different films in one, combining a dance movie, a friendship story, spectacle and ambition. She said the film is deep but also grand, delivering something exciting and moving at once, and that she believes audiences sometimes want to sit down for a good time that also turns out to be an enriching experience, which is what this film offers.
Maya and Anjali, the best friends at the center
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, best remembered as Devi Vishwakumar in Mindy Kaling's series "Never Have I Ever" and known for roles in "Lost in Starlight," "The Twits," "The Boys" and "Freakier Friday," plays Maya. In the film, Maya convinces her best friend Anjali to try out for their school's dance team, setting off a journey of self-discovery for both of them.
Ramakrishnan told Netflix that Maya has a lot of grit and is very brave. She described her character as combative, in a way she loves, adding that Maya is not the typical tough-looking girl but is vulnerable and just wants to be loved.
Priyanka Kedia, who has appeared in "Pleats," "Color My Grey Street" and "The Helmet," plays Anjali, a UCLA student who, alongside Maya, learns that reaching the top demands blood, sweat, tears and even hair sacrifices.
Kedia said she has been in Anjali's position before and in some ways still is. She said audiences are meeting Anjali on a beautiful journey in which she discovers who she is beyond the roles she usually plays, whether that is the obedient daughter or the unconditionally loyal best friend.
Hasan Minhaj plays the professor and co-wrote the script
Hasan Minhaj, who has appeared in "It Ends with Us," "Babes," "Haunted Mansion" and "No Hard Feelings," plays Professor Hamza Latif in the film. Beyond his role in the comedy, Minhaj co-wrote the screenplay together with Prashanth Venkataramanujam.
The rest of the dance team and supporting cast
Chaneil Kular, the British actor who gained wide popularity playing Anwar Bakshi in the Netflix teen series "Sex Education," also joins the cast of the coming-of-age comedy.
Ankur Rathee, known mainly for his role in the Amazon Prime Video series "Four More Shots Please," is also part of UCLA's competitive Bollywood fusion dance team in the film.
The rest of the cast rounding out "Best of the Best" includes Shreya Navile, Becky Alex, Nihar Duvvuri, Nico Greetham, Amryn Khurana, Tanishq Joshi, Lilly Singh, Sasha Bhasi, Janina Gavankar, Saara Chaudry and Kavi Ramachandran.
What is "Best of the Best" about?
According to Netflix's official synopsis, "Best of the Best" is a coming-of-age comedy that tells the story of two best friends attending a prestigious university who enter the ruthless world of college Bollywood dance, where they face fierce competition and personal challenges. The synopsis describes the film as a celebration of the vitality of Bollywood fusion dance, the struggles particular to youth, and the enduring power of true friendship.
When does "Best of the Best" premiere?
"Best of the Best" premieres on Netflix on Friday, September 18, 2026. Viewers only need a subscription to the streaming platform to watch the new dance comedy.
