As with the first time we checked into India’s self-described “luxury” resort, the front desk register at The Marigold Hotel once again reads like a who’s who of British acting royalty. Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Diana Hardcastle, Penelope Wilton and Dev Patel all return for a second stay in the sequel to the highly successful 2011 film that followed a group of British retirees who decided to ‘outsource’ their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. As they take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel, the Marigold is just a shade less luxurious than its adverts.
 

 
In The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the story picks up right were we left off with everyone’s favorite Dowager Countess, Dame Maggie Smith, emerging as the newly-installed hotel co-manager who is immediately faced with the demands of a traditional Indian wedding. Judi Dench and Bill Nighy (Evelyn and Douglas) have now joined the local workforce, Patel (Sonny) is now faced with having to choose between his business and his upcoming marriage to the love of his life Sunaina, played by Tina Desae, Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle (Norman and Carol) come to terms with the ups and downs of their exclusive relationship and Celia Imrie (Madge) has two eligible and very wealthy suitors on her plate. Tamsin Greig (Green Wing, Black Books, Episodes) and Richard Gere join the already stellar cast as new arrivals to the hotel.
 

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has a 27 February 2015 release date in the UK with an early March 2015 date for release in the States.