Times Of India
Film review
On the whole, 'Best of the Best' keeps it breezy, humourous and is a thoroughly enjoyable and relatable college dance-comedy that gets all its beats in sync.


Charming leads and cultural heart can't mask its formulaic bones.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for 'Best of the Best' is largely positive, with most reviewers finding it an energetic and charming college dance-comedy buoyed by infectious performances from its two leads. Critics frequently praised the film's warmth, humor, and the cultural specificity it brings to a familiar formula, particularly its portrayal of the South Asian-American diaspora experience. The most common criticism centers on its predictability and adherence to well-worn genre conventions, with several reviewers noting it fails to subvert expectations; one critic also flagged that rapid editing undermines the film's dance sequences. A minority found it out of touch with its target demographic, and some felt its satirical ambitions were not fully realized.
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Film review
On the whole, 'Best of the Best' keeps it breezy, humourous and is a thoroughly enjoyable and relatable college dance-comedy that gets all its beats in sync.
Film review
It is too self-aware to be a straightforward Bollywood dance movie, but not consistently incisive enough to become the cultural satire it could have been. Still, there is warmth underneath the comedy.
Film review
For a film primarily about dancing, the editing undercuts the choreography at every turn. The same problem that plagues much modern Hindi cinema also infects “Best of the Best”: edits litter the frame so often you can’t properly appreciate the choreography.
Film review
Best Of The Best is unlike many of its YA counterparts because, while its arcs seem overly familiar, it comes through a relatively rare POV: two young women who have straddled being both South Asian and American, without bending who they truly are. The movie succeeds because it spends time with Maya and Anjali as they reckon with their culture as well, and the infectious energy between the two stellar leads gives the movie its beating heart.
Film review
"Best of the Best" is a giddy and soul-affirming story that smoothly blends modern political satire with the familiar rhythms of classic collegiate drama, delivering a bigger and brighter movie with a clear point of view. Even when it wraps things up a little too conveniently, the film leaves you wanting more and always trusts its spirit to fill the room.
Film review
Best of the Best is a predictable, over-the-top coming-of-age comedy which sadly doesn't put a spring in the audience's step. More than anything, it feels out of touch with the lives of the Gen Z diaspora of Indian origin.
Film review
There is absolutely nothing unexpected about this Netflix comedy set in the world of rival Bollywood dance groups on American campuses. Each plot twist is instantly familiar, every character recognisable, the essential formula untweaked from a dozen previous college comedies. But it's funny and snappy, and directed with infectious energy by Lena Khan.
Film review
Best of the Best understands that a campus dance film does not need to reinvent the form to be entertaining. What it needs is energy, charm and characters you want to spend time with. For much of its runtime, Khan's film delivers exactly that.
Credits
Maitreyi RamakrishnanMaya
Priyanka KediaAnjali
Hasan Minhaj
Chaneil Kular
Ankur Rathee
Nico Greetham
Lilly Singh
Sasha Bhasin
Janina Gavankar
Saara ChaudryEnglish films like Best of the Best