How “Best of the Best” Redefines South Asian Representation
By: Zara Khan | Published on: October 16, 2026
If you’re tired of the nerdy Desi girl, mean white girl and popular white boy tropes, you are definitely not alone. We desperately need better representation, and that’s exactly what director Lena Khan and actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (who famously played Devi in “Never Have I Ever”) brought to the table, making their team up in “Best of the Best” extravagant!
At the center of the film is Maya (Ramakrishnan), a fiery, dark-skinned UCLA freshman who completely redefines what a South Asian lead looks and acts like. Maya is loud, sharp and fiercely ambitious, but beneath her bold persona lies a deep fear of failure. Still traumatized by an embarrassing high school performance clip that went viral, she views joining UCLA’s elite Bollywood-fusion dance team, Agni, as her ultimate shot at redemption.
Standing alongside her is her childhood best friend, Anjali (Priyanka Kedia). While Anjali appears to have it all together on the outside; gorgeous, graceful and effortlessly confident; she is secretly drowning under heavy family expectations, facing threats from her strict mother to pull her out of university if her grades drop. What makes their dynamic so compelling is how society constantly pits them against each other, labeling Maya strictly as the "smart, intense one" and Anjali as just the "pretty one" (which feels absurd given how stunning Maitreyi is). That unspoken comparison creates real friction as both girls fight for space on the dance floor and in their friendship.
While the heart and soul of the movie is undeniably the bond between Maya and Anjali, the side relationships add plenty of flavor without ever distracting from the main plot. Maya's boyfriend, Arjun (Chaneil Kular), transcends the "awkward tech nerd" or "toxic Desi guy" stereotypes entirely. He doesn't even use social media. Instead, he is genuinely funny, emotionally grounded and fully supports Maya’s headstrong energy without ever asking her to tone it down, showing what a healthy partnership actually looks like.
On top of the rich character work, what really makes the film stand out is its respect for movement. The production refuses to treat choreography as a basic background gimmick, showcasing a true hybrid style that seamlessly blends classical roots like Bharatanatyam and Kathak with Bhangra, Kuthu, hip-hop, and jazz. The dance sequences serve as raw emotional outlets for the characters; Maya’s sharp, high-energy style contrasts brilliantly with Anjali’s fluid precision. Even during intense competition scenes with Agni, the performance energy and cultural pride take center stage, making every set piece feel earned and electric.
In short, this isn't your standard teen comedy. It is an empowering, fun, and authentic story about navigating friendship, building healthy relationships and celebrating Desi culture on its own terms.
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