Best of the Best is not only a glorious celebration of South Asian culture anchored in the latest generation but also a wonderful coming-of-age competitive dance film.
Written by Nandita Joshi
South Asian representation in Hollywood has slowly but surely been on the rise. From the global phenomenon that was Never Have I Ever (2020–2023) to the emergence of actresses like Simone Ashley (Bridgerton), Avantika Vandanapu (Mean Girls) and Geraldine Viswanathan (Thunderbolts*), it is an exciting time for the representation of South Asians on screen. Yet there is still a desire for more, with very few of those actors being involved in projects that embrace their ethnicity authentically (Flora & Ulysses) without resorting to stereotypes — if they are included at all. Thankfully, director Lena Khan completely captures these cultures in Best of the Best, which will be streaming on Netflix September 18.
After an embarrassing moment during a dance number at their high school talent show goes viral on social media, childhood best friends Maya (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Turning Red) and Anjali (Priyanka Kedia, Disclosure Day) hope for a fresh start as they begin their college journey at UCLA. When they both spot a sign-up booth for a Bollywood competitive dance troupe, their promise to focus on their studies is jeopardized, but an opportunity to prove themselves to be talented dancers is presented.
You would easily believe that Ramakrishnan and Kedia had been friends for years, as their connection felt effortless and palpable. From the comfort radiating from their body language when they are with each other to the tongue-in-cheek banter they throw around together, both actresses understand that it is these subtleties that make or break the believability of their friendship. Ramakrishnan is proving herself to be an actress for us all to watch out for. Her magnetism and commanding on-screen presence draw your eyes to wherever she is. Kedia stuns in a breakout role, bringing out the timidness in Anjali that wonderfully counteracts Maya's assertiveness. Without either of them giving it their best, the film would not have been as entertaining, cathartic and humour-filled as it is.
In tandem, the dancing needed to be strong in order for this film to have any sense of reality. Choreographers Phillip Chbeeb, Makenzie Dustman and Joya Kazi craft every dance to be the perfect blend of modern, traditional, western and South Asian cultures. There is a risk that by incorporating so many different styles, the routines could become choppy, but each beautifully flows as a complete piece, which is emblematic of how a lot of second or third generation South Asians in Western countries may see themselves. It is utterly entrancing to witness.
Both Ramakrishnan and Kedia pull off intricate, incredible sequences despite neither having any professional training in dance whatsoever. It is giving Step Up (2006) in the most complimentary way possible, even the collegiate competitiveness of Pitch Perfect (2012). Films like Work It (2020) and Feel the Beat (2020) have attempted to replicate that same feeling, but they lack heart and a new perspective, which is exactly what this film offers. With a soundtrack that features high-profile songs from Bollywood movies, Korean and Latin-American artists, as well as a new song written for the film by Oscar-winning A.R. Rahman, you are guaranteed to have not seen a competitive dance movie like this.
What immediately sets Best of the Best apart from other coming-of-age style films is the depiction of female friendships. Writers Prashanth Venkataramanujam and Hasan Minhaj have a strong pulse on the type of bond Maya and Anjali share and never compromise on the values that they had devised for each of them. The writing duo eminently emphasize forgiveness, empathy and the ability to let things go at the forefront of the friendship, which are often the parable of films like The Edge of Seventeen (2016) or Booksmart (2019).
Instead, the character arcs are centred around honesty amongst those who care about you most, even though it may hurt – showing that at 18-years-old, there are levels of maturity that young adults can have, not keeping to the extreme ends of the spectrum. Venkataramanujam and Minhaj succeed at creating two complex yet authentic leads. On top of this, the dialogue felt young without ever encroaching on cringe and was absolutely hilarious — a testament to their previous collaborations on Minhaj's comedy specials.
There was a beautiful piece of dialogue that has stuck with me since the credits rolled — defending the "extra"-ness of Bollywood blockbusters that is often ridiculed. The explanation reframes the extravagance as a vessel for showing that moments in our lives call for expressing our emotions to the extreme. In a world where Bollywood becomes pigeonholed by the stereotypes surrounding it, Khan chooses to reframe the narrative with admiration. The entire film respectfully pays homage to the genre, even down to the fantasizing dance sequences with your crush.
Best of the Best is not only a glorious celebration of South Asian culture anchored in the latest generation but also a wonderful coming-of-age competitive dance film. The stellar lead actresses, well-written dialogue and fantastic choreography elevate an already compelling premise that makes so many of us feel seen. We desperately need more films with half as much heart as this one.
Best of the Best will be streaming on Netflix on September 18.
Comments
Post a Comment