Netflix Released New Dance Comedy Best of the Best
The film follows two dancers aiming to join a collegiate Bollywood team at UCLA.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Dancing
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Netflix has released the dance comedy film Best of the Best, which was written by Hasan Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam. The story follows two central characters, Maya and Anjali, as they attempt to join a competitive Bollywood dance team at UCLA.
Why it matters
The production prioritized authentic South Asian fashion while ensuring the costumes allowed for the complex, high-energy movements required for collegiate Bollywood dance routines.
The production team modified traditional bridal lehengas by removing heavy beading and adding sequins to enhance mobility for dance sequences. Costume designer Liz Vastola drew inspiration from resources like The Offbeat Sari and brands such as Kynah.
The players
Liz Vastola
She is a professional costume designer who has previously worked on the productions Daredevil and Twisted Metal.
Hasan Minhaj
He is a comedian and writer who co-wrote the script for the film Best of the Best.
Prashanth Venkataramanujam
He is a writer and collaborator who co-wrote the screenplay for the dance comedy film.
UCLA Nashaa
This is a real-world collegiate Bollywood dance team that served as the primary inspiration for the film.
The details
Costume designer Liz Vastola used a mix of vintage, thrifted, and modern styles to reflect the characters' distinct personalities. She specifically styled Maya in baggy jeans with tighter tops and utilized extensive research from magazines and social media to curate the aesthetic.
Timeline
UCLA Nashaa focused on lightweight costume designs in 2024.
UCLA Nashaa transitioned to pants-and-shirts-style costumes in 2025.
The article was published regarding the film on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
The film reflects the broader integration of niche collegiate competition subcultures into mainstream entertainment narratives. By prioritizing authentic South Asian fashion, the production aligns with a wider trend of normalizing diverse cultural aesthetics in commercial comedies.
Viewers interested in the film's aesthetic can replicate the characters' looks through vintage and thrift store shopping, which is central to the film's costume design approach. The movie may also increase general interest in competitive collegiate Bollywood dance performances across the country.
The takeaway
Authentic costume design requires balancing cultural aesthetics with the physical demands of high-intensity movement. For dance enthusiasts, the film highlights how modified performance gear can maintain visual tradition while significantly improving comfort and mobility.
Further reading
Explore more about the art form in the Dancing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Bruin.
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