The sequel, which stars Dame Judi Dench and follows a group of elderly Brits starting a new life in India, took $2.2 million (£1.4 million) over the weekend (13-15Mar15).

It left the week's big new release - Liam Neeson's hitman drama Run All Night - trailing in second place, with takings of $1.3 million (£825,000), just ahead of crime caper Focus in third, with $1.2 million (£805,000).

New wartime romance Suite Francaise took just $800,000 (£500,000) on its opening weekend, landing in fourth place, and the top five was rounded out by Fifty Shades of Grey, with weekend ticket sales of $784,000 (£490,000).