Film Review - The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Feels Good, Again

Film: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Dev Patel, Bill Nighy

Directed by: John Madden

Duration: 2 hrs

Rating: *  *  * 1 / 2

A sequel to the utterly delightful sleeper hit of 2012 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, I am happy to report that The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is quite charming as well. While the first one had a fair bit of novelty, the quotient of the feel-good factor remains the same in both and that is a good enough reason to make a trip to the theatres to watch this John Madden film.

If the feel-good factor is not enough, take a look at the cast – it has some of the most distinguished names in the business and they all deliver in great style.   

Even though the film doesn’t have a much of story to speak of, co-writer Ol Parker gets the essence spot on again. It opens with Sonny (Dev Patel) and Mrs. Donnelly (Maggie Smith) trying to convince a businessman (David Straithairn) in the US to invest in their new venture.

Back home at the Marigold hotel, all the visitors have become comfortable residents – Evelyn (Judi Dench) is sourcing fabrics and has a new assignment on hand, Madge Hardcastle (Celia Imrie) still can’t make up her mind which of the two Indian suitors she should marry, Douglas (Bill Nighy) has become an improvised tourist guide and he still harbors feelings for Evelyn.

The plot is centered around an inspector who has come to visit the property, could it be Guy Chambers (Richard Gere) who claims he is a writer and nothing more or Lavinia (Tamsin Greig) a new visitor at the hotel. While Sonny is trying to settle matters for the new hotel, his big fat Indian wedding is also around the corner.

Even though there aren’t any serious subplots, the spirit of the story remains the same. The optimism and positive radiance makes you forget that there isn’t much of a story.

For most parts it’s a whirlwind with the next laugh or chuckle just around the corner. Full credit to the writers for the crackling lines and the odd philosophical one as well. Incidentally, the clever lines in the film come from the most unexpected characters.

The cast is in terrific form. Judi Dench and especially Maggie Smith (they are both 81 years old) steal the show. Smith has a meatier role and her performance is of the highest order. The rest, Bill Nighy, Richard Gere, Celia Imrie and even Dev Patel is in fine fettle.

When it comes to an enjoyable time at the cinemas, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is second to none. 

Published in The Navhind Times, Goa on 22nd March 2015

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