“Imagine replacing WhatsApp with something built here, for you.” That’s the promise behind Arattai, a messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation that has recently surged in popularity.
What Is Arattai?
Arattai (meaning “casual chat” in Tamil) is a cross-platform messaging and VoIP application offering text, media sharing, voice and video calls, channels, and stories. The app supports Android, iOS, desktop, and even Android TV. Unlike global rivals, Arattai positions itself as “made in India, privacy-first.” (Wikipedia)
How It Works — And What Makes It Different
Think of Arattai as a Swiss Army knife for conversations.
- Text, media, and group chats.
- Voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption already in place.
- Channels for broadcast messaging.
- Multi-device syncing.
- Optimized performance even on low-end phones. (Financial Express)
While calls are encrypted, full message encryption is still being rolled out.
Why It’s Trending Now
Arattai recently jumped to No. 1 on India’s app charts, briefly overtaking WhatsApp and Telegram. (India Today)
Fueling this surge was a strong endorsement from IT Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who highlighted Arattai as part of India’s push for homegrown tech. (Hindustan Times)
Zoho’s CEO Sridhar Vembu has also emphasized that the app is designed to work even on basic smartphones, which sets it apart in India’s diverse market.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its rise, Arattai still faces hurdles:
- Encryption gap — messaging is not yet fully secured.
- Server capacity — scaling to millions of users strains infrastructure.
- Switching friction — convincing entrenched WhatsApp users is no easy task.
Still, with government backing and Zoho’s track record, the app has a unique edge. (Moneycontrol)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use Arattai across multiple devices?
Yes — the app supports syncing between phone, desktop, and even TV.
Q2: Is Arattai free?
Yes. Zoho has confirmed that Arattai is free to use, with no ads or data selling.
Q3: Who develops Arattai?
The app is created by Zoho Corporation, an Indian software giant known for its business tools.
Conclusion
Arattai is more than just another chat app — it’s a symbol of India’s digital self-reliance. If Zoho can close the encryption gap and expand its infrastructure, Arattai could become the go-to alternative to WhatsApp for millions of users.
Key Takeaway: A privacy-first, India-made chat app is finally making headlines — but it still has ground to cover.
