The Grand Budapest Hotel 2 Radiates the Charm of an Indian Palace, Delighting Audiences

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department

In 2012, the surprise hit comedy *The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* took audiences on an adventure with seven "outward-bound" British retirees to a newly opened Indian hotel designed for "elderly and beautiful" guests. Though the hotel was less than perfect, the fearless and optimistic guests eventually learned that no matter their age, the best was yet to come. *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* reunites the original cast, led by Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, and Dev Patel, and welcomes new additions Richard Gere, Tamsin Greig, and David Strathairn.

The original Marigold Hotel is now fully occupied by long-term guests. Co-managers Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) and Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) dream of expanding their business and have found the perfect spot: "The Second Marigold Hotel." As plans progress, Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) explore the workplace in Jaipur, navigating the future of their breakfast-date romance. Meanwhile, Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) search for direction in their relationship, while Maggie (Celia Imrie) is courted by two "eligible" bachelors. New guest Guy Chambers (Richard Gere) finds inspiration for his next novel in Sonny’s mother, Mrs. Kapoor (Lillete Dubey). As Sonny’s wedding day to his true love, Sunaina (Tina Desai), draws closer, the plan to find a new hotel consumes more of his time—perhaps the only one who knows the answer is Muriel, who keeps everyone’s secrets. As the big day approaches, family and guests may find themselves swept away by the irresistible charm of an Indian wedding.

The newest guest at the Marigold Hotel is charming and mysterious—Guy Chambers, an American who might just make Sonny’s dreams come true, played by Golden Globe® winner Richard Gere. Gere couldn’t resist being part of the film, saying, “I’ve always loved India and wanted to work with John Madden, and of course this cast. Judi and Maggie are cinema royalty—irresistible on screen but hilariously funny in person!”

Director John Madden noted, “The Marigold Hotel has always been a character, just like the others in the story. The hotel reflects the changes it’s gone through since its bustling opening—Sonny has added three rooms on the roof and renovated the courtyard to better deliver the tranquil retreat advertised.”

The Rajmahal Palace once again serves as the filming location for the Marigold Hotel. This former palace turned equestrian hotel is connected to the town of Kampur, just outside Udaipur’s lake district. Madden explained, “There’s a magic to that building, an undeniable allure—so special that it instantly felt like the place these characters would choose to stay.” Production designer Martin Childs wanted to show audiences upgraded facilities compared to the first film: “The first movie had a ‘shabby chic’ charm, which was part of its appeal, but things have moved forward—now it looks smarter, still playfully eclectic. Sonny used salvaged items to get the hotel started, but now he has more purpose and business sense. I wanted to show all that.”

The film gave director Madden and the crew the chance to showcase more nearby attractions, including the formidable Jaigarh Fort, built atop a hill in the early 18th century by Jai Singh II. Childs created numerous scenes there, highlighting formal gardens and a breathtaking view of the ramparts stretching across the landscape—reminiscent of China’s Great Wall. Another popular spot filmed was the Royal Cenotaphs—Rajasthani-style domed structures and intricately carved royal cremation grounds, which serve as Douglas’s new workplace. This shoot also marked cinematographer Ben Smithard’s first trip to India, putting him in a heightened sensory state: “I find India absolutely fascinating—it really inspired me to try capturing the essence of the country. There are established ways to shoot it, but it’s also spectacular, and we had such a great story and characters.”