Hasan Minhaj’s latest venture, *Best of the Best*, is finally set to grace Netflix screens after years of development. This highly anticipated musical comedy revolves around a collegiate Bollywood dance team and marks a significant milestone for the comedian and actor, who describes the project as a “labour of love.” Minhaj began conceptualising the film in 2020, coinciding with the birth of his son, and notes that he has watched his child grow throughout the creative process.
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In an exclusive interview, Minhaj reflected on the personal nature of the project, explaining, “He was born when we first pitched this, and he’s six years old now. So this was a labour of love.” Minhaj’s family also includes his daughter, born in 2018, reflecting a busy yet fulfilling family life as he juggled parenthood with his cinematic ambitions.
*Best of the Best*, directed by Lena Khan, tells the story of two childhood friends who join their college’s competitive Bollywood-fusion dance team. The film features rising stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Priyanka Kedia in the leading roles of Maya and Anjali, while Minhaj takes on the role of a college professor. Notably, he has been deeply involved in the film’s creation, serving as a co-writer and producer alongside his longtime collaborator Prashanth Venkataramanujam.
In his remarks, Minhaj acknowledged the unique challenges of bringing an American collegiate Bollywood dance musical to life. He highlighted the need for authenticity, stating, “You’re never going to get the specificity unless you take the responsibility yourself. This has been a journey six years in the making.” He emphasised the importance of the film not just as entertainment, but as a tribute to the thousands of students engaged in these vibrant and culturally significant dance competitions, lovingly stating it as a “love letter” to their experiences.
Many of the younger cast members have drawn inspiration from Minhaj’s career, but he reciprocates the admiration, acknowledging their talent in acting and dance. “They’ve inspired me. They’ve given this old dinosaur a blood transfusion. They’re the total package,” he shared.
The journey to creating *Best of the Best* began after the cancellation of Minhaj’s acclaimed show *Patriot Act*. In a conversation about the shift, Venkataramanujam described the experience as akin to “grad school for doomscrolling,” highlighting their desire to create something joyful post-*Patriot Act*. They envisioned a coming-of-age comedy that celebrates South Asian college experiences—a thematic direction that ultimately defined *Best of the Best*.
“As South Asians, many of us have our own coming-of-age experiences, and we wanted to honour those moments through the lens of Bollywood dance,” Minhaj explained. He believes the film stands as an homage to the cultural heritage of the South Asian community while capturing the essence of college life.
As the world premiere approached, Minhaj took to Instagram to express his excitement, describing it as a unique experience filled with palpable love. He reminisced about the influences that shaped the film, writing, “This is a love letter to our community, our cousins, our kids, the songs and movies we listened to on cassette and VHS growing up, and the memories we made in college that shaped who we are.”
*Best of the Best* promises to deliver both heartfelt storytelling and an engaging soundtrack that reflects the lively spirit of Bollywood dance. The film also boasts a talented cast that includes Ankur Rathee, Saara Chaudry, and Shreya Navile, ensuring that audiences will be treated to a diverse array of performances.
Scheduled for release on Netflix on 18 September 2026, *Best of the Best* is poised to resonate with viewers by celebrating a rich cultural tapestry while providing a light-hearted, comedic take on the joys and challenges of collegiate life. Minhaj’s passion for the project is evident, and fans are eager to see how his unique vision unfolds on screen.