The Film
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a 2015 British comedy-drama film directed by John Madden and written by Ol Parker.
It is the sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and features a magnificent ensemble cast consisting of stars Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, Ronald Pickup, Diana Hardcastle, Tamsin Greig, Tena Desae, Dev Patel, Lillete Dubey, David Strathairn and Richard Gere.
As the story begins, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is full up with its long-term residents, and co-managers Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) and Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) have a dream of expansion. They've found just the place: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
With plans underway, Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) venture into the Jaipur workforce, wondering where their regular breakfast dates will lead. Meanwhile, Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) navigate the swirling waters of an exclusive relationship. Madge (Celia Imrie) juggles two very eligible suitors, and recent arrival Guy Chambers (Richard Gere) finds a muse in Sonny's mother, Mrs. Kapoor (Lillete Dubey) for his next novel.
As his marriage to Sunaina (Tina Desai), the love of his life, quickly approaches, Sonny finds his plans for the new hotel making more claims on his time than he has available. Perhaps the only one who may know the answers is Muriel, the keeper of everyone's secrets.
As the big day nears, family and guests alike find themselves swept up in the irresistible intoxication of an Indian wedding.
Cinema Trailer
Production
On 29 October 2012, Vulture reported that screenwriter Ol Parker was consulted to deliver a treatment to Fox Searchlight Pictures executives for a sequel titled 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2'. Most of the cast agreed to take part in the new production.
On 28 October 2013, Radio Times revealed that the cast would be flying to India to shoot the sequel film in January 2014.
Casting
On 2 December 2012, Showbiz411 stated that Colin Firth and Helen Mirren might join the ensemble cast of the film, although they ultimately did not.
On 28 October 2013, Radio Times stated that Penelope Wilton confirmed that the original cast, including Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Ronald Pickup and Celia Imrie, would return for the sequel, set to start filming in January 2014.
On 30 October 2013, Deadline reported that Richard Gere was in talks to join the ensemble cast of the sequel. Later on 10 January 2014, Gere confirmed his new role in the film. Other newcomers added to the film include Tamsin Greig and David Strathairn.
Filming
Principal photography began on 10 January 2014 in Jaipur, India.
|
| Cast
Judi Dench as Evelyn Greenslade Box Office As of 22 March 2015, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has grossed $26.5 million in North America and $34.4 million in other territories, for a total gross of $60.9 million, against a budget of $10 million. The film topped the UK box office during its first week, earning £3.8 million. It stayed top of the UK box office chart for a second week, grossing over £1.9 million and continued to hold on to the top spot for the third week in a row, grossing a further £1.4 million. In the United States, the film opened strongly at number three at the US box office with an estimated $8.6 million in its first weekend of release. India-themed films rarely climb this high on the U.S. box office charts. Even Hollywood studio films such as Life of Pi and Million Dollar Arm never reached the top three at any time during their runs, despite playing in more cinemas than The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. |