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Comedy drama

Best of the Best (2026): Cast & Ratings

Best of the Best (2026) movie poster

Best of the Best is a 2026 comedy drama directed by Lena Khan, starring Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Maya, Priyanka Kedia and Hasan Minhaj. It runs 1 hour 52 minutes. Its Echo Score is 63/100.

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Best of the Best (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 52m (112 min)
Director
Lena Khan
Genres
Comedy , Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Best of the Best About?

The premise of Best of the Best without spoilers.

Childhood best friends Maya (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) and Anjali (Priyanka Kedia) join UCLA’s elite Bollywood‑fusion dance squad, aiming for the U.S. Championship. Rehearsals bring fierce rivalry and cut‑throat competition, revealing that the road to victory is far more chaotic and demanding than they imagined.

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Cast & crew

Best of the Best Cast & Characters

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan leads the cast as Maya, with Priyanka Kedia as Anjali and Hasan Minhaj. Directed by Lena Khan; 20 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Lena Khan

More films directed by Lena Khan, best-rated first: Flora & Ulysses and The Tiger Hunter.

Full filmography
Ratings

Best of the Best Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in sensory experience (70) and weakest in story & flow (50).

63 /100

Best of the Best Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Best of the Best delivers an energetic showcase of collegiate Bollywood dance while struggling to sustain narrative depth. Critics acknowledge a well‑structured screenplay and relatable protagonists, yet note predictable plot beats and occasional tonal inconsistency. Audience reactions echo this split, praising the choreography and lead charisma but criticizing thin character development and uneven comedy. The film’s sensory flair and replayable moments offset its story shortcomings, resulting in a modestly favorable reception.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of art and craft, the film presents a brisk visual style anchored by lively dance sequences. Direction maintains a fast‑paced rhythm, though occasional flashy lighting can distract from composition. Cinematography captures the vibrant colors of Bollywood aesthetics, while editing supports the kinetic choreography. Overall, the technical execution is solid, delivering an enjoyable visual experience despite minor lapses.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    When it comes to character and emotion, the leads generate mixed responses. Some viewers praise the nuanced performance of the central actress, noting genuine emotional resonance, while others find her portrayal exaggerated and the supporting cast underdeveloped. The chemistry between friends is occasionally effective, yet many interactions feel scripted. Consequently, character depth hovers between engaging and superficial.

  • Story & Flow 50

    Regarding story and flow, the plot follows a familiar college‑competition formula that many find predictable. Critics cite a well‑structured screenplay, but audience feedback highlights lazy clichés and a lack of originality. Pacing drags in places, and thematic exploration of identity remains shallow. The narrative thus delivers adequate cohesion without compelling momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    In sensory experience, the movie excels through its dance numbers, which blend creative choreography with precise execution. Musical choices complement the performances, and sound design enhances the rhythmic impact. Minor criticisms arise from overly bright lighting that can detract from visual clarity. Overall, the sensory elements provide a vivid, engaging backdrop that elevates the film.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    The rewatch factor is moderately strong due to the film’s lively dance sequences and accessible humor. Critics note its bite‑size appeal for repeat viewings, while some audience members suggest the limited narrative depth reduces long‑term interest. The combination of entertaining choreography and occasional heartfelt moments supports repeatability, though the film may not sustain repeated enthusiasm for all viewers.

Videos

Best of the Best Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Best of the Best.

Official Trailer

Seen Best of the Best?

FAQ

Best of the Best FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Best of the Best, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Best of the Best?

Best of the Best runs 1 hour 52 minutes (112 minutes).

When was Best of the Best released?

Best of the Best was released on September 18, 2026.

Who directed Best of the Best?

Best of the Best was directed by Lena Khan.

More films by Lena Khan

Who is in the cast of Best of the Best?

Best of the Best stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Maya, Priyanka Kedia as Anjali and Hasan Minhaj, among 20 credited actors.

Does Best of the Best have a post-credit scene?

No. Best of the Best has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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