Here’s Why Han So-hee’s “Project Y” Failed in Theaters but Found Love After OTT Release
- Disha Paul
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
When Project Y was first announced, expectations were high. The film starred Han So-hee alongside Jeon Jong-seo, two actresses known for their bold screen presence and unconventional role choices. With a stylish crime premise and early festival buzz, the movie seemed to have all the ingredients for success.
However, when Project Y was released in theaters, it struggled to attract audiences and quickly disappeared from the box office. Surprisingly, the same film began receiving renewed attention and appreciation after its OTT release. This sharp contrast has sparked conversations among fans and critics alike.
So what went wrong in theatres, and why did the film work better on streaming platforms?
High Expectations That Worked Against the Film
One of the biggest reasons Project Y failed theatrically was expectation overload. With two high-profile actresses leading the film and early exposure at international film festivals, audiences expected a tightly written, intense crime thriller.
Instead, many viewers felt the film leaned heavily on atmosphere and visual style rather than strong narrative payoff. In theatres, where audiences invest both time and money, this disconnect led to disappointment and weak word-of-mouth during its crucial opening days.
A Story That Felt Too Loose for the Big Screen
At its core, Project Y follows two women living on the edge of society who attempt a risky heist involving hidden gold and illegal money. While the premise was intriguing, theatrical audiences felt the storytelling lacked momentum.
The pacing was often described as uneven, with tension building slowly and key emotional moments failing to land with enough impact. For a crime thriller released in cinemas, many viewers expected sharper conflict and clearer stakes.
Style Over Substance Criticism
Another major issue was the film’s heavy reliance on style. While Project Y delivered striking visuals, bold performances, and a gritty tone, critics and moviegoers felt these elements did not always serve the story.
In theaters, this made the film feel more like an artistic experiment than a satisfying cinematic experience. As a result, casual audiences who rely on strong plot progression felt disconnected.
Why Project Y Worked Better on OTT
The film’s reception changed noticeably after its OTT release. On streaming platforms, viewers approached Project Y with lower expectations and more flexibility, which worked in the film’s favor.
At home, audiences could watch the movie at their own pace, revisit scenes, and focus more on performances rather than plot efficiency. Many viewers began praising Han So-hee’s controlled intensity and Jeon Jong-seo’s raw emotional energy, elements that stood out more in a personal viewing environment.
OTT platforms also made the film more accessible to international viewers and fans of both actresses who may have skipped the theatrical release due to negative reviews.
A Film That Found Its Audience Late
While Project Y still divides opinion, it has clearly found a niche audience after moving to streaming. Viewers who enjoy character-driven, visually atmospheric crime stories are more willing to appreciate the film’s strengths when watching from home rather than in a packed cinema.
The OTT response suggests that Project Y may not be a box-office success, but it is far from a complete failure.
Final Thoughts
Project Y is a clear example of how the viewing platform can shape audience perception. In theatres, its loose narrative and high expectations worked against it. On OTT, the same film benefited from relaxed viewing habits, star-driven curiosity, and a growing appreciation for its performances and style.
Sometimes, a movie does not fail because it is bad, but because it arrives in the wrong format for its story.
Did you watch Project Y in theatres or after its OTT release? Did your opinion differ from the early reviews? Share your thoughts with us.
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