Great cast, but thinner and less focused than the first film.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel leans modestly positive, with most reviewers finding it an agreeable if unremarkable crowd-pleaser. The ensemble cast, drawn from the upper tier of British acting talent, is the most consistently cited strength, with several critics singling out Maggie Smith in particular. Common criticisms include the film feeling looser and less focused than its predecessor, with some finding the screenplay uneven, overly verbose, or giving only a handful of characters meaningful story arcs. The consensus is that it functions as light, feel-good entertainment rather than a substantial follow-up.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 10 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Director John Madden offers another affectionate portrait of ageing and second chances in this sentimental but always charming comedy that deserves a watch if only for its terrific A-list cast. It's the kind of film you'll want to take your mum to.
Top critic
Film review ·
Most of the film is crowd pleasing to the core, and when the talent on display is so effortless in entertaining you, it's hard to walk away from the film with any negative emotion. It's the first feel-good movie of the year, and that's always a good thing.
Film review ·
When it comes to an enjoyable time at the cinemas, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is second to none.
Film review ·
This is a fun story with as many layers as a Jaipuri pagdi. The acting is such fun - the film features much of the cream from the high tea of British drama - that you appreciate characters, even if you didn't check into the first Hotel.
Film review ·
As per the film, the question is not about how many new lives we can have. Rather, it is whether 'do we possess the courage to cross the boundaries?' The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is not as tight the previous version, but it's certainly a good film to watch this weekend.
Film review ·
Unlike most, this sequel is not totally superfluous. Parker's screenplay gives almost all the central characters something to occupy themselves with, though only a few have well-detailed journeys. The film, however, is best when it focuses on key issues of old age with subtlety and dignity, never making it mawkish. That Madden and Parker have Smith taking on that responsibility on her firm shoulders makes the film worth a watch.
Film review ·
...strikes as overly verbose and preachy.
Film review ·
The film lacks the essence that was present in the first film. Head down to The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel if you've got some time to kill.
Film review ·
Overall, while 'The Exotic Marigold Hotels' is packaged as a cultural ambassador of Jaipur, "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" remains after all, only the second best!
Film review ·
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is just what the doctor ordered if you want a simple, feelgood film. That's remarkable when you keep in mind that most of the characters are basically just waiting to die in this story. Yet, there's no sadness here. At its gloomiest, a tinge of wistfulness dulls the Technicolor, Indian fantasy that Madden and his team have created. But those moments are brief and what The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel remind us is that so long as you're alive, there's a life to be lived and enjoyed.
From our readers
1 rating · user score 7.0
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a British comedy-drama film by John Madden. It is a wonderful watch, an entertainer. It is a sequel to 2012 superhit movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Shot mostly in Jaipur, it projects various philosophies of life, people's search for their soul-mates, people seeking happiness, confusions in decision making, romance etc. There are so many moments of joy, thoughtfulness, emotions. Storyline also incorporate the pain of the people getting old, calling off relationships, issues of commitment, complicated pasts, desire for freedom etc. There is a whole amount of sweetness in the movie. Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionnaire and Chappie fame) plays a vibrant role of Sonny Kapoor, who is in the process of expansion of his business and for that he has to buy another hotel. His successful hotel – 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' has senior citizens as inhabitants who would go 'only when they go'. It is hilarious, since everyday morning, Dev moves around with attendance register and takes role call, just in case, someone unintentionally passes away during the night. Tena Desae as Sunaina – Dev's fiancée takes care of the reception and the guests. Dev chooses to call his mother – Lillette Dubey (Chandrima Kapoor) – Mummyji. All at the hotel are looking forward to Dev and Tena's marriage. A home away from home for everybody who are staying there. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is filled to capacity, so Sonny Kapoor and Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) fly to America in search of a partner for their expansion idea. Sonny has already selected the potential property for his second hotel, but he needs Hotel Mogul Burley's (David Strathairn) money for the purchase. This meeting scene is hilarious, where Burley is left intrigued, when Muriel Donnelly gives a lecture on brewing tea to his young staff waiter. Sonny is being told that Burley will send an agent to inspect the two properties. So, when Richard Gere (who plays author Guy Chambers) reaches the hotel, Sonny misunderstands him to be the hotel inspector sent by Burley. Sunaina asks Sonny that how does he know, Guy Chambers is the inspector, Sonny says: "Instinct is the nose of the mind and I have a big nose." Parallel to the storyline of Sonny-Sunaina's marriage and hotel expansion plan, there are other stories as well. There is Kushal (Shazad Latif), with whom Sonny is envious since at times he feels that Kushal is trying to woo Sunaina. This movie celebrates old age as well. Evelyn Greenslade (Judi Dench) gets an offer at the age of 79 to design for a brand. She puts up a brave front and 'I don't want anyone' attitude, but actually is very soft from within and has a soul craving for affection for Douglas (Bill Nighy). Douglas' public speaking attempts with somebody reading out script to him is also an interesting scene. Donnelley's friendship with Sonny is paramount to the center of this film. Guy Chambers is smitten by Chandrima Kapoor.
Credits
Dev PatelSonny Kapoor
Judi DenchEvelyn Greenslade
Richard GereGuy Chambers
Maggie SmithMuriel Donnelly
Bill NighyDouglas Ainslie
Celia ImrieMadge Hardcastle
John Madden
Penelope WiltonJean Ainslie
Ronald PickupNorman Cousins
Diana HardcastleCarol Parr
Tina DesaiSunaina
Lillete DubeyMrsKapoor
David StrathairnTy Burley
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