As I won the tickets on Gransnet to go to this premiere, thought it deserved its own thread. So here's my report.
Red carpet was wreathed in marigold garlands on a cold night in Mayfair. Niece and I did get to walk on it! The end part, past the doorway was where the cast were providing prolonged photo opportunities for press.
Celia Imrie, as you can see in the photo, provided middle aged, marigold coloured glamour (hope she had her thermals) and the Indian girl Tena Desae who played the girlfriend was of course very, very gorgeous in her frothy full length gold Bollywood skirt... and bare midriff. And shoulders. I hope they did not keep her outside too long.
We were in screen 2 with the other non-VIPs but the director, Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) and the gorgeous girl came up to see us, and as we were about 2 metres away from them we had a chance to admire the beauty of Dev and Tena.
The idea for the film is that a bunch of ageing English people decide, for various reasons, to leave these shores and check into the above named hotel, which is somewhat dilapidated to say the least. Dev plays the manic optimistic, ambitious young manager, trying to revive it's fortunes ("My idea is to outsource the elderly - not just from England but from other places where they don't like old people") 
The film was a delightful, typically British comedy with moments of drama and pathos to set off the many laughs. Dench, as always looks incredibly chic throughout.
Tom Wilkinson was wonderful as the introverted and enigmatic retired judge (he is obviously NOT there because he is flat broke... so what is going on?) A great contrast to Dev's hypermania.
Not sure about the casting of Maggie Smith - she obviously has box office pulling power but it was perhaps not the best bit of casting in terms of this complex character. (I just don't believe her maybe when she puts on a working class accent)
Film also looks gorgeous because of the location.
I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the film. Highly recommended as an antidote to winter for all you Gransnetters. And your nieces (mine is 32 and enjoyed it as much as I did).
Here is a photo of the scene on the red carpet:
www.newsday.com/news/nation/london-premiere-for-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-1.3511145
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What gives you a warm feeling? 🥰
