Latest news with #BestoftheBest
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Hasan Minhaj Team Up For Netflix's Best Of The Best
Last Updated: Best of the Best, a new Netflix film, features Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Hasan Minhaj under the direction of Lena Khan. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is all set to shine in the upcoming Netflix film Best of the Best, a vibrant Bollywood-inspired dance comedy that also stars comedian Hasan Minhaj. This project reunites Maitreyi with acclaimed director Lena Khan, with whom she previously collaborated on the hit series Never Have I Ever. Best of the Best promises to be a dynamic fusion of vibrant South Asian culture, campus life and competitive dance, exploring themes of friendship and self-discovery. While the film's release date has yet to be announced by Netflix, fans are eagerly anticipating the blend of music, dance and heartfelt storytelling. The series is a vibrant coming-of-age dance film that follows the journey of childhood best friends Maya and Anjali as they join their college's Bollywood dance team. As they strive for a national title, they navigate the highs and lows of competition, discovering that the true prize lies in the growth, camaraderie and cultural connection they forge along the way. Exploring themes of friendship, self-discovery and cultural pride, this film promises to be an uplifting and energetic ride. According to Variety, Hasan Minhaj collaborated with Prashanth Venkataramanujam on the script, and the duo will also co-produce the film under their 186K Films banner. They'll be joined by Jonathan Eirich of Rideback, with Ryan Halprin serving as executive producer. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan expressed her enthusiasm on Instagram, posting, 'My body is sore but my heart is full," and revealing that her character is Tamil of Sri Lankan origin, adding, 'Hope y'all enjoy!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (@maitreyiramakrishnan) Actress Priyanka Kedia also joined the cast. She posted, 'The most surreal announcement I never could have imagined I'd get to make. From the bottom of my heart, thank you thank you thank you for making that little girl's (and her parents') dreams come true. This is going to be such an insanely special one. Get ready!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S. Mama, Pops, Hirshie @kedia_hv, this one is for you." View this post on Instagram A post shared by priyanka kedia (@pkwizzles) Acclaimed director Lena Khan, known for her work on Flora & Ulysses and Never Have I Ever, brings her expertise to Best of the Best, a film that celebrates the vibrant world of college Bollywood dance teams. These teams have become a haven for South Asian students to connect with their cultural heritage, and the movie captures this spirit, making it a relatable and authentic portrayal for young audiences. First Published: July 21, 2025, 19:10 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Elle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Everything We Know About Netflix's ‘Best of the Best'
The upcoming Netflix feature Best of the Best starring Hasan Minhaj was first announced in 2023, with Flora & Ulysses director Lena Khan set to direct. Two years later the Bollywood-style comedy focused on the world of collegiate-level dance competitions is really coming together. Here's everything we know about the movie so far. Maya and Anjali are two childhood best friends who find the dynamic of their relationship changes after joining their college's competitive Bollywood dance team. In the team's quest to win the national championship, both girls discover just how cutthroat the experience of traditional dance can get. Per Variety, the story celebrates 'the vibrancy of Bollywood Fusion Dance, the growing pains of young adulthood and the lasting power of friendship.' On July 17, Variety reported that Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan had joined Minhaj along with Everything To Me's Priyanka Kedia. Khan had directed Ramakrishnan in several episodes of her hit show on Netflix. The actress seemed to refer to training for the new role in an Instagram post about the film, writing in the caption, 'my body is sore but my heart is full💗💃🏾.' Kedia celebrated the news she was joining the cast as well, writing in a post, 'the most surreal announcement i never could have imagined i'd get to make. from the bottom of my heart thank you thank you thank you for making that little girl's (and her parents') dreams come true. this is going to be such an insanely special one. get ready!!!!!!!!!!!! 🥹❤️' The script was penned by Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam, who are also producing, along with Jonathan Eirich and Ryan Halprin for Rideback. This post will be updated.
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Best of the Best: From Never Have I Ever Star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan's Sri Lankan Origin Role to Hasan Minhaj's Writing, All We Know
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is set to star in a new Netflix movie titled Best of the Best, a Bollywood-inspired dance comedy. The film also features comedian Hasan Minhaj and marks a reunion between Maitreyi and director Lena Khan, who previously worked together on Never Have I Ever. The project will bring together vibrant South Asian culture, campus life, and competitive dance, with a focus on friendship and identity. Netflix has not yet announced a release date. A South Asian coming-of-age dance film Best of the Best tells the story of two childhood best friends, Maya and Anjali, who join their college's Bollywood dance team. As they compete for a national title, they realize the journey is far more intense and chaotic than expected. The movie will explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and cultural pride. According to Variety, Hasan Minhaj co-wrote the script with Prashanth Venkataramanujam. Minhaj and Venkataramanujam will also produce under their banner 186K Films, alongside Jonathan Eirich for Rideback. Ryan Halprin will serve as executive producer. Here's what Maitreyi and Priyanka shared about the movie Maitreyi Ramakrishnan shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, 'my body is sore but my heart is full,' and added, 'also, my character is tamil of srilankan origin. hope yall enjoy." Actress Priyanka Kedia also joins the cast. She posted, 'the most surreal announcement i never could have imagined i'd get to make. from the bottom of my heart thank you thank you thank you for making that little girl's (and her parents') dreams come true. this is going to be such an insanely special one. get ready!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S. Mama, Pops, Hirshie @kedia_hv this one is for you.' Lena Khan, known for Flora & Ulysses and several episodes of Never Have I Ever, will direct the film. The story also highlights how college Bollywood dance teams have become spaces of community and cultural expression for South Asians, making the film relatable for many young viewers. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is best known for her role as Devi Vishwakumar in Never Have I Ever. She also voiced characters in Turning Red and Big Mouth, and she'll next appear in Freakier Friday alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Hasan Minhaj, known for Patriot Act and Homecoming King, will also appear in Disney's upcoming film Tron: Ares and is planning a comedy tour with Ronny Chieng.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Priyanka Kedia join Hasan Minhaj in Netflix Bollywood dance comedy
Netflix has officially announced the cast for its upcoming Bollywood-themed comedy Best of the Best, adding rising stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Priyanka Kedia alongside Hasan Minhaj, who also co-wrote the film. Directed by Lena Khan (Flora & Ulysses), the movie is produced by Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam under their 186K Films banner, alongside Jonathan Eirich for Rideback. Best of the Best follows two childhood best friends, Maya and Anjali, as they dive into the competitive world of college Bollywood dance teams. What begins as a bonding experience soon turns intense, as the road to the national championship proves to be both cutthroat and comedic. The film highlights the South Asian college dance circuit — a vibrant, high-energy space where teams across the country come together to compete and celebrate culture. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, best known for her role as Devi in Netflix's Never Have I Ever, joins the project after recent roles in Freakier Friday and voice work in Turning Red. Priyanka Kedia, a newcomer gaining traction with her role in Everything To Me, adds to the diverse cast. Minhaj, who gained acclaim with Patriot Act and Homecoming King, also stars in the film. He's currently gearing up for his upcoming appearance in Tron: Ares and a comedy tour with Ronny Chieng. The film continues Netflix's expansion into culturally rich, character-driven comedy, particularly highlighting South Asian experiences through dance and friendship.
CNBC
04-07-2025
- CNBC
12 U.S. islands to visit this summer—no flights required: 'You don't have to go to far to feel far away'
Summer is in full swing, and more and more people are heading on vacation or planning one. With the price of hopping on a flight fluctuating so much right now, you might want to consider a destination you can just drive to. "You can make a road trip out of the vacation, take your time, and actually enjoy the journey. They're often more affordable, less crowded, and full of quiet beauty," Hilary Fischer-Groban, Senior Director of Global Brand, Insights and Comms at Tripadvisor, tells CNBC Make It. "It's a chance to slow down, unplug, and get the kind of reset a packed tourist destination just can't give you." The United States is full of many different landscapes that range from vast deserts, beaches, towering mountains, stunning coastlines, and lush forests. Of the over 18,000 islands in the U.S., many fall under these categories, and the best part is that you don't have to hop on a plane to get to a lot of them. "Visiting these islands reminds you that you don't have to go to far to feel far away! You learn how much there is to discover close to home, from coastal ecosystems to local traditions you'd never find in a guidebook," Fischer-Groban adds. "It's a humbling reminder of the diversity of travel landscapes in the U.S. These adventures don't require a passport, just curiosity, a full tank of gas, and a willingness to explore what's already here." Located in Georgia, Jekyll Island is part of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands. It is home to Driftwood Beach, which gets its name from the limbs of driftwood trees that are scattered across the shoreline. Jekyll Island is a 2025 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best winner on TripAdvisor. Fischer-Groban says the island gets 47% more attraction pageviews than the next popular spot on the island. South Padre Island is a barrier island in Texas. It is only accessible via the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge, which spans 2.4 miles. The island boasts over 30 miles of beaches and year-round temperatures that average 74 degrees. One of the major highlights on the island in the summer is Beach Waterpark, an oceanside waterpark with outdoor and indoor attractions. "It's the leading attraction on the island and draws over twice as much traffic as the next most popular spot," Fischer-Groban says. The Florida Keys are a collection of islands off the southern tip of Florida. Despite being made up of so many islands, you can drive to only about 40 of them. The islands are known for boating, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. It is home to Key West, the southernmost city in the continental U.S. that is actually closer to Cuba than Miami. All of the main islands from the mainland to Key West are connected by the Overseas Highway. It is one of the longest overwater roads in the world, with 42 bridges, including one with a seven-mile span, according to Britannica. Right on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, which the U.S. government calls the Gulf of America, Marco Island has six miles of beaches and over 100 miles of waterways within its 24-square-mile total area. The island is linked to the mainland by two bridges and is part coastal resort, part fishing village. The two most well-known beaches on the island are Tigertail and South Marco Beach. About a half-hour drive away from Savannah, Tybee Island is a barrier island of Georgia. It is known for its sandy beaches. The island has five miles of public beaches. It is home to The Tybee Lighthouse, one of the nation's oldest lighthouses. It was built in 1736 and has sprawling views from the top. Located on Lake Huron, Mackinac Island has over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails. The island is mainly protected by the Mackinac Island State Park, ensuring its preservation. The island is car-free, so you must rely on walking and biking to get around. There are also horse-drawn taxis that offer rides around the island. Nestled in North Florida, Amelia Island offers visitors miles of pristine beaches, marshlands and golf courses. It is about 30 minutes away from Jacksonville and is easily accessible by car. Kiawah Island is a barrier island on the Atlantic coast of the U.S., just 25 miles from Charleston. It is a seasonal beach and golf community that has 10 miles of beach. It is home to the Kiawah Beachwalker Park, a public beach on the island that is one of the best near Charleston, according to Conde Nast Traveler. Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. Despite having fewer than 40,000 year-round residents, the island receives over two million visitors annually. It is famous for its incredible beaches and world-renowned golf courses. It offers visitors 12 miles of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean. Long Beach Island, or LBI for short, is about two miles away from mainland New Jersey. The only way to access the island is to drive over the Manahawkin Bay Bridge. The 18-mile-long island offers visitors access to beautiful beaches, which you need to buy seasonal day passes for. It is also home to the Fantasy Island Amusement Park. Chincoteague Island is one of several barrier islands in Virginia. It is seven miles long and the state's only resort island, according to the Chamber of Commerce. The island is close to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, a 14,000-acre wildlife preserve that's also home to wild ponies, which Fischer-Groban says: "They're really at the heart of the island experience." The island is also home to the Saltwater and Up the Bay Pony Tours, which together account for over a quarter of all attraction pageview traffic on Tripadvisor. The Outer Banks spans hundreds of miles of barrier islands that are split between North Carolina and Virginia. It is a major tourist attraction renowned for its stunning beachfront and picturesque seashore. Tourism is the top industry, with the Outer Banks welcoming more than five million visitors each year, according to the Chamber of Commerce. "One of the most interesting trends in the Outer Banks is that travelers are looking to spend more time there and interest is growing across several key areas," Fischer-Groban says.
