Rising Stars Align: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Priyanka Kedia Join Hasan Minhaj for Netflix’s ‘Best of the Best’

Netflix has assembled a powerhouse trio of South Asian talent for its upcoming comedy feature “Best of the Best,” with breakout stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Priyanka Kedia joining comedian-writer Hasan Minhaj in what promises to be a vibrant celebration of Bollywood fusion dance culture.

According to Variety, Ramakrishnan (“Never Have I Ever,” “Freakier Friday”) and Kedia (“Everything To Me”) have officially joined Minhaj (“Patriot Act”) in the Netflix production, marking a significant collaboration between some of the industry’s most promising South Asian performers.

The film will be directed by Lena Khan, known for “Flora & Ulysses” and her previous work on several episodes of Ramakrishnan’s hit Netflix series “Never Have I Ever.” Khan will work from a screenplay co-written by Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam, bringing together a creative team with deep roots in South Asian storytelling.

“Best of the Best” follows childhood best friends Maya and Anjali as they navigate the competitive world of college Bollywood dance teams, discovering that the path to national championship glory is both cutthroat and comedic. The narrative taps into a growing cultural phenomenon where college dance teams serve as vital spaces for South Asian community building and cultural expression.

The story aims to capture the intensity and camaraderie of the collegiate Bollywood fusion dance circuit, where teams from across the country converge to showcase their talents and compete for the ultimate prize. The film celebrates the vibrancy of Bollywood fusion dance, the growing pains of young adulthood, and the lasting power of friendship.

For Ramakrishnan, this marks another collaboration with director Khan following her breakout role as Devi Vishwakumar in “Never Have I Ever.”

Star Power and Production

Minhaj, who earned a Peabody Award for his Netflix series “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj” and gained widespread recognition with his Netflix special “Homecoming King,” brings both star power and creative vision to the project as co-writer and star. His upcoming slate includes a role in Disney’s “Tron: Ares” and a joint comedy tour with Ronny Chieng.

For Ramakrishnan, this marks another collaboration with director Khan following her breakout role as Devi Vishwakumar in “Never Have I Ever.” The Canadian-Tamil actress has become a prominent voice for South Asian representation in Hollywood since the series concluded its successful four-season run.

Kedia, an emerging talent known for her upcoming role in “Everything to Me” alongside Victoria Pedretti and Judy Greer, rounds out the central cast, bringing fresh energy to the ensemble.

Behind the Scenes

The production is backed by Minhaj and Venkataramanujam’s 186K Films, with Jonathan Eirich producing for Rideback and Ryan Halprin serving as executive producer for Rideback. This collaboration represents Netflix’s continued investment in South Asian stories and talent.

According to industry reports, filming for “Best of the Best” is scheduled to begin in July 2025, with the streaming giant positioning the project as part of its expanding slate of culturally specific comedies.

The film arrives at a time when South Asian representation in mainstream entertainment continues to grow, building on the success of projects like “Never Have I Ever,” “The White Tiger,” and various Bollywood productions that have found global audiences on Netflix.

By focusing on the collegiate Bollywood dance scene, “Best of the Best” explores a uniquely American South Asian experience, highlighting how cultural traditions evolve and find new expression in different contexts. The competitive dance circuit serves as both backdrop and metaphor for the broader themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of excellence.

With its combination of established talent and rising stars, “Best of the Best” promises to deliver both laughs and heart while showcasing the dynamic world of Bollywood fusion dance to a global audience. As production moves forward, the film represents another significant step in Netflix’s commitment to diverse storytelling and the continued rise of South Asian voices in Hollywood.