Tarsem Singh Dhandwar typically does not employ subdued camerawork. He is more well-known for his visual Hollywood extravaganzas, like the exotic yarns woven into “The Fall” (2006), the Jennifer Lopez-starring, serial killer-thriller “The Cell” (2000), and more. However, Singh takes a totally different approach in “Dear Jassi,” his first feature filmed mostly in India. In this based-on-real-life Romeo and Juliet tale, he revives the lore recalling the terrible love – and loss – of Jaswinder “Jassi” Kaur Sidhu (Pavia Sidhu) and Sukhwinder Singh Mithu (Yugam Sood).

Earlier last year, “Dear Jassi” walked away with the Platform Prize at its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It also kicked off this year's Opening Night Gala at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles just this week. On the occasion of its Iffla screening, we had the opportunity to speak to Singh over Zoom. We talked about murder, Iranian inspirations, and love at first sight.