--- title: "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" year: 2015 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel" fi1m_id: "the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel" imdb_id: "tt2555736" tmdb_id: 268238 wikidata_id: "Q16203908" fi1m_score: 58 critics_score: 61 critics_reviews: 24 published: "2026-10-04T08:06:41.846983+00:00" updated: "2026-10-04T08:06:58.756208+00:00" region: "CH" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) Directed by John Madden · 2h 02m · Drama, Comedy ## Identity The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel - **IMDb ID:** tt2555736 - **TMDB ID:** 268238 - **Wikidata ID:** Q16203908 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2555736/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/268238, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16203908 **Fi1m score: 58** · Critics 61 from 24 reviews *In a sentence:* Eight love stories, one wedding and a man who may be a hotel inspector; Maggie Smith is not impressed and neither, quite, were we > John Madden reassembles the cast, adds Richard Gere and a wedding, and finds he has more storylines than one film can hold. Maggie Smith and Judi Dench are worth the trip; most of the rest is pleasant, sunlit padding. ## Synopsis Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) and Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) fly to San Diego to ask Ty Burley (David Strathairn), head of an American hotel chain, to bankroll a second hotel in Jaipur. They are sent home with a warning: an inspector will visit, unannounced. Back at the Marigold, Sonny is weeks from marrying Sunaina (Tina Desai), his mother Mrs. Kapoor (Lillete Dubey) is running the wedding, and a lone American guest, Guy Chambers (Richard Gere), checks in claiming to be writing a novel. Sonny decides at once that he is the inspector. Meanwhile Evelyn Greenslade (Judi Dench) is offered work buying fabrics, Douglas Ainslie (Bill Nighy) guides tourists with a schoolboy feeding him facts through an earpiece, and Madge Hardcastle (Celia Imrie) weighs two wealthy suitors. ## Review The first *Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* sent a party of English pensioners to Jaipur and let them find out they were not finished. This one has nothing left for them to find out and knows it, so Ol Parker’s script gives everyone a job instead. Sonny wants a second hotel. Evelyn is offered work as a fabric buyer. Douglas guides tours. Muriel does the accounts. It is a pleasant, well-dressed 122 minutes that is always doing something and rarely doing anything that matters, and the two women at its centre are the reason to bother. Maggie Smith is the film’s spine. Muriel has stopped being a bigot and become a bookkeeper, co-managing with Sonny and deflating him once a scene with a line delivered to her ledger rather than to his face. In San Diego she treats a boardroom of executives as people who have not yet learned to make tea, and the film is funnier there than anywhere else. Smith plays Muriel’s sharpness as a habit kept up because the alternative is admitting she is fond of someone, and she lets the fondness show twice. Both times it lands. Judi Dench and Bill Nighy are the other reason. Evelyn and Douglas have spent a year failing to say an obvious thing to each other, and Parker lets them go on failing. Nighy’s stammering, apologising Douglas, garbling the dates a schoolboy feeds him through an earpiece, is the one character who seems embarrassed to be in a sequel, and it suits him. In one short scene they walk and talk about nothing in particular, and it moved us more than the writing had earned, because Dench lets you watch Evelyn decide not to hope and then hope anyway. Nothing else here is that precise. Ben Smithard shoots Jaipur in marigold orange and dusty pink, nearly every exterior in the last hour of daylight, so the city looks like a place somebody is selling. Martin Childs keeps the hotel’s courtyard peeling and crowded, pot plants and bicycles and washing, and the second property Sonny covets is its opposite: whitewashed, empty and far too grand. Thomas Newman’s score is sitar and plucked strings, and sounds like a second pass at a tune we already know. It tells us the mood of each scene a beat before the scene does. The trouble is quantity. Victoria Boydell has to cut between Sonny’s hotel deal, Sonny’s wedding, Sonny’s jealousy of a rival, Evelyn and Douglas, Madge (Celia Imrie) choosing between two suitors, Norman (Ronald Pickup) and Carol (Diana Hardcastle) working out what they are, Guy Chambers’ novel and his interest in Sonny’s mother. No scene runs long enough to turn into anything. The film arrives at a subplot, states its position and leaves, and by the hour mark we were, for stretches, bored, and faintly cross that so many good actors were being rationed. Dev Patel carries the heaviest load and the script does him no favours. Sonny was comic relief last time and is now the lead, and Parker writes him as a man who gets everything wrong at the top of his voice: he decides Guy is the inspector on no evidence, neglects his fiancée (Tina Desai) and shouts at people trying to help. Patel plays it all with energy and we believed none of it; nobody we are meant to like would behave this badly for two hours. Richard Gere strolls in with the hair and the smile and has nothing to do but be handsome at Lillete Dubey, who answers with the driest double takes in the film. John Madden made [*Shakespeare in Love*](https://film.one/film/shakespeare-in-love) and can run a large cast through a crowded plot, so the untidiness looks like a choice: give every regular a scene, keep the tone sunny, send everyone home happy. But it also keeps pretending to be a film with a story, eight of them, and not one is given time to finish. See it for Smith and Dench, on a Sunday afternoon, with someone who saw the first one and does not mind being told it again. *Fi1m score 58, published 4 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find the sequel warm, amiable and much like the first film, and most are content with that. The praise clusters on the cast rather than the script. Maggie Smith is named more often than anyone, for lines that puncture the sweetness and for the vulnerability she lets show beneath them. The ensemble’s chemistry, the colour of the Jaipur setting and Madden’s unhurried pacing also earn credit, though several reviews note that the laughs are thinner than before. The reservations gather around the plotting: overstuffed, rambling, recycling the original’s storylines and offering little reason for a second visit. The spread is wide. Empire and Radio Times rate it warmly, while The Hollywood Reporter and The Wrap call it sluggish and lifeless. Richard Gere splits opinion, a welcome lift for Digital Spy, shoehorned in for Total Film. Consequence and HeyUGuys object to a sunny, stereotyped picture of India, which The Hollywood Reporter, unusually, defends. ## Straight answers **Is The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel worth watching?** *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* is worth watching only for Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, and we scored it 58. The rest is pleasant, sunlit padding: eight storylines, a wedding and a hotel deal, none given time to finish. See it on a Sunday afternoon with someone who liked the first film and does not mind being told it again. **How long is The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and what is it rated?** *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* runs 2h 02m. It is a drama and comedy film. **Where can I watch The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in Switzerland?** *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* is streaming on Disney+ in Switzerland, and it is also available to rent from Apple TV from CHF 4.50. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How does The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel compare to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel?** *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* is the weaker of the two films, because the first sent its pensioners to Jaipur with something to find out and this one has nothing left to discover. Both share the same cast, the same sunlit city and a habit of making India serve the visitors. Newcomers should start with the first; returning viewers get Smith and Dench and little else. **What should I watch after The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel?** After *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel*, try [*The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel*](https://film.one/film/the-best-exotic-marigold-hotel) (2012, Fi1m 71): The first trip, when the characters still had something to find out. Then [*Monsoon Wedding*](https://film.one/film/monsoon-wedding) (2001, Fi1m 80): A Delhi wedding with real family trouble under the marigolds, and better dancing; and [*The Lunchbox*](https://film.one/film/the-lunchbox) (2013, Fi1m 75): A late, quiet Mumbai romance that trusts silence where this film reaches for a speech. ### Reviews we read (24) - **Empire**, Nev Pierce (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel charming, open-hearted and less cynical than its predecessor. They single out Maggie Smith’s performance and praise how the film weaves its many characters and subplots together. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review/) - **Radio Times**, Alan Jones (4/5): The critic calls the sequel an irresistible, worthy companion to its predecessor. They praise its heart-warming humor, vivid Indian color, and the cast’s effortless chemistry. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-idkyvq/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/) - **IndieWire**, Kimber Myers (B-): The critic finds the sequel reassuringly familiar and warm, but sees little reason it needed to be made. The returning cast’s charm and the colorful Jaipur setting are its chief pleasures. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-starring-maggie-smith-judi-dench-bill-nighy-dev-patel-richard-gere-266588/) - **Screen Daily**, Mark Adams, chief film critic (70/100, inferred): The critic describes the sequel as smooth and savvy, giving it a positive verdict. The available text singles out its savvy handling as a strength but offers no further detail. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/5083366.article) - **The AV Club**, A.A. Dowd (B-): Dowd finds the sequel mildly inferior, though it retains much of the original’s modest charm. He praises its leisurely pace, admiring view of India, and the delightful sparring between the veteran actresses. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/this-is-indeed-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-1798182954) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the sequel sentimental and stereotypical but ultimately daft, likable, and better than its predecessor. He praises the cast’s thespian firepower, especially Maggie Smith’s presence and the subtle resolution of Celia Imrie’s romance. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/26/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): Debruge finds the sequel amiable and spirited, though its laughs are fewer and its conflicts feel trivial. He especially praises the lively ensemble chemistry, with Maggie Smith’s sharp wit standing out. [Read](https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/film-review-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-1201434998/) - **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (70/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the sequel comfortable and dignified, though more predictable than the original. He singles out the game cast and Madden’s patient camera as strengths. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2015/03/best-exotic-marigold-hotel-2-pretty-much-okay.html) - **Evening Standard**, David Sexton (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel overly sweet but still enjoyable. Maggie Smith’s sharply timed, deflating lines are singled out as the film’s saving grace. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-film-review-judi-dench-maggie-smith-bill-nighy-and-dev-patel-lead-this-starpacked-sequel-10074470.html) - **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The page is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. Its praise or complaints likewise cannot be verified from the available text. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/06/movies/review-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-ups-the-ante.html) - **Slant Magazine**, Elise Nakhnikian (2.5/4): The critic finds the film charming despite its mediocre material, with the older cast bringing delicate detail and panache to familiar storylines. She especially praises Judi Dench’s emotional honesty and the sparks between the older actors, while noting the lack of chemistry between Dev Patel and Tena Desae. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/) - **Little White Lies**, Sophie Monks Kaufman (3/3/2): The critic finds the sequel less satisfying than the original, despite its moments of wit and charm. She praises the cast and the respectful portrayal of older people’s romantic lives, while faulting the screenplay for lacking substance and shape. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel) - **Time Out**, Dave Calhoun (3/5): The review finds the sequel warm but rambling. It singles out Richard Gere as the filmmakers’ magic card. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel) - **Total Film**, Kate Stables (2/5): Stables finds the sequel genial but overstuffed, with tinny plots and predictable scripting. She praises Maggie Smith’s sharp wit but says Richard Gere feels shoehorned into the crowded cast. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Mark Olsen (30/100, inferred): Olsen finds the sequel an obligatory, cobbled-together follow-up that overstays its welcome. He says the cast’s sheer charm nearly carries it despite aimless plotting and underused locations. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review-20150306-story.html) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Leslie Felperin (30/100, inferred): Felperin finds the sequel sluggish, repetitive, and blander than its predecessor, though likely to satisfy fans invested in its characters. She praises its stronger storylines for Indian characters and its attempt to engage with Indian culture from within. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-774602/) - **Eye for Film**, Amber Wilkinson (78/100, inferred): Wilkinson finds the sequel warmly engaging and in some ways better than its predecessor. She particularly praises Maggie Smith’s portrayal of Muriel, which balances sharp wit with vulnerability. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-second-best-marigold-hotel-2015-film-review-by-amber-wilkinson) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (75/100, inferred): Hammond finds the sequel great fun and another pleasurable Indian excursion. He praises the returning cast, who remain in fine form. [Read](https://deadline.com/2015/03/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review-pete-hammond-happily-checks-in-1201384806/) - **Den of Geek**, Caroline Preece (3/5): Preece finds the sequel gently charming, funny, and unexpectedly poignant, about as good as the original without breaking new ground. She praises the returning ensemble’s camaraderie, but criticizes the diffuse focus and recycled storylines. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review/) - **Digital Spy**, Stella Papamichael (3/5): Papamichael calls it a worthy successor, though its plot is slightly doddering and its outlook sunny. She praises the veteran cast’s grace and highlights Richard Gere as a welcome lift to the familiar routine. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a630883/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review-wish-fulfilment-for-retirees/) - **Consequence**, Patrick Gill (55/100, inferred): Gill finds the sequel charming and exuberant but weighed down by an overstuffed, uneven structure and a troublingly unexamined colonial perspective. He praises Maggie Smith’s performance as the ensemble’s emotional center and highlights her scenes with Dev Patel as especially enjoyable. [Read](https://consequence.net/2015/03/film-review-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/) - **HeyUGuys**, Cassam Looch (55/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel pleasant but mild, recommending it as an easy choice for older viewers. Dench and Nighy’s awkward, hesitant romance is praised, while the film’s idealised, stereotyped presentation of India draws criticism. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review/) - **Paste**, Tim Grierson (5.0/10): Grierson finds the sequel overstuffed, repetitive, and hard to justify, despite its seasoned cast. He particularly criticizes Sonny’s expanded role and awkward attempts to woo Guy. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel) - **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (15/100, inferred): The critic pans the sequel as lifeless and uninspired, with contrived conflicts and sitcom-level plotting that waste its talented cast. The review praises the cinematography’s vibrant images of modern India, though it finds them familiar rather than distinctive. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review-richard-gere-maggie-smith-judi-dench/) ## Details - **Director:** John Madden - **Director:** John Madden - **Screenplay:** Ol Parker - **Cinematography:** Ben Smithard - **Editor:** Victoria Boydell - **Music:** Thomas Newman - **Production design:** Martin Childs - **Producer:** Graham Broadbent, Peter Czernin - **Cast:** Dev Patel as Sonny Kapoor; Judi Dench as Evelyn Greenslade; Richard Gere as Guy Chambers; Maggie Smith as Muriel Donnelly; Bill Nighy as Douglas Ainslie; Celia Imrie as Madge Hardcastle; Penelope Wilton as Jean Ainslie; Ronald Pickup as Norman Cousins - **Runtime:** 2h 02m - **First release (the UK):** 26 February 2015 - **Genres:** Drama, Comedy - **Budget:** $10 million - **Box office:** $86 million ## Where to watch in Switzerland - Disney+: streaming, hd - Apple TV: rent CHF 4.50, hd - Apple TV: buy CHF 14.00, hd *Checked 2026-10-04.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* (2012), Fi1m 71: The first trip, when the characters still had something to find out. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-best-exotic-marigold-hotel.md) - *Monsoon Wedding* (2001), Fi1m 80: A Delhi wedding with real family trouble under the marigolds, and better dancing. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/monsoon-wedding.md) - *The Lunchbox* (2013), Fi1m 75: A late, quiet Mumbai romance that trusts silence where this film reaches for a speech. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lunchbox.md) - *Quartet* (2012): Maggie Smith among retired musicians; the same wit, with a single story to serve. - *Cocoon* (1985): Pensioners given a second life in Florida, and the film believes in them. --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel