The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Director: John Madden
Cast: Maggie Smith, Judy Dench, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Celia Imrie, Richard Gere, Penelope Wilton, Tasmin Greig.

In this sequel to 2011’s smash-hit grown-up romcom, the Marigold’s co-manager Sonny (Dev Patel) plans to open a second, rather more luxurious hotel, but his impending marriage to the feisty Sunaina (Tena Desae) and the unexpected arrival of guests Lavinia (Tamsin Greig) and Guy (Richard Gere) – who may or may not be hotel inspectors – prove added strains.

Meanwhile, permanent residents and hopeless romantics Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie and Ronald Pickup pursue their own ambitions, both in the original hotel and amid the seething humanity of Jaipur, all under the watchful eye of Muriel (Maggie Smith), the keeper of everyone’s secrets. Numerous intriguing subplots build up to the vibrant wedding ceremony and Lavinia and Guy’s startling revelations, making for a splendid entertainment courtesy of a top-notch ensemble cast.