Arattai App by ZOHO: Can it really replace WhatsApp in India?
- Pratik Singh Rajput
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 29
The last few days my feed was full of one name, Arattai. If you haven’t heard yet, it’s Zoho’s own messaging app, and it suddenly hit the top spot on Apple’s App Store after getting public backing from Union ministers.
Now, for me this is not just about another app. It feels like a bigger statement: India is serious about backing its own tech products and building real alternatives.
So, What Exactly is Arattai app?
The word Arattai means “casual chat” in Tamil, and that is exactly what the app is designed for. It gives you the same comfort and familiarity as WhatsApp.
The trend started when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promoted it publicly. Vaishnaw even made a strong statement during a Cabinet meeting by using Zoho Show instead of Microsoft PowerPoint. He also announced that he had moved to Zoho’s own office suite for his daily work. This endorsement gave Arattai a major push, making people across India curious to try it.
Zoho’s founder Sridhar Vembu later shared that this kind of support is a huge morale boost for the engineers who have been building Zoho products for more than two decades.
Features That Caught My Eye
Arattai is not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s giving people what they already expect from a chat app, plus a few extras that make it stand out:
Chats and Groups: You can chat one-to-one or in groups. Groups allow up to 1,000 members with as many as 50 admins.
Channels: Think of this like a broadcast tool. Only admins can post, so updates stay clean. You can make channels public or private and add multiple admins.
Stories and Stickers: Just like WhatsApp Status or Instagram Stories, but with animated stickers to make chats more engaging.
Works on multiple devices: You can use it on phone, tablet, or desktop, with sync across up to five devices.
Bring your old chats: A feature I really like, you can import conversations from other platforms.
Built for India: Even if you’re on a basic smartphone or poor network, the app is designed to run smoothly.
Privacy and Security
This part matters the most to Indian users. Zoho has shared what’s available right now:
Calls: End-to-end encrypted.
Messages: There’s a “Secret Chat” option that gives end-to-end encryption. Other chats are encrypted at rest.
Data: All stored in India. That’s a big plus for people who care where their data lives.
It’s not perfect yet, because regular chats are not fully encrypted like WhatsApp. But Zoho has already said they’re working on it.
Feature | Arattai | |
Text Messaging | Yes | Yes |
Voice Calls | Yes | Yes |
Video Calls | Yes | Yes |
Group Chats | Up to 1,000 members | Up to 1,024 members |
Group Admins | Up to 50 | Limited |
Stories / Status | Yes | Yes |
Broadcast Channels | Yes (clean updates) | Yes (broadcast list) |
End-to-End Encryption (Chats) | Secret Chat only | Yes (all chats) |
End-to-End Encryption (Calls) | Yes | Yes |
Multi-Device Support | Up to 5 devices | Up to 4 devices |
Data Location | India | Global servers |
The Gaps I See
Encryption: Until all chats are fully secure, some people won’t feel safe leaving WhatsApp.
Network effect: Everyone you know is already on WhatsApp. Getting people to shift won’t be easy.
Trust factor: When the government promotes something, people also ask “Will my privacy be safe?” Zoho will need to be very clear and transparent here.
Why This App Matters
For me, Arattai is not just a product. It represents India’s move toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in digital space. It shows we can create tools that compete with global giants, and that too in a way that matches local needs like low-end phones and patchy networks.
My Perspective
I’ve personally been using multiple Zoho products for more than four years, from their email to their CRM, and I’ve seen their consistency and quality. That makes me confident that Zoho has the ability to improve Arattai and make it a strong player.
I feel the name Arattai is a bit tough to pronounce for people outside Tamil Nadu. From what I’ve seen in public feedback, many people share the same thought. A simpler name might help the app spread faster across India.
Still, the intent and the effort are worth appreciating. With better chat security and a smoother experience, Arattai can grow into the app Indians proudly call their own.
Final Thoughts
Arattai’s rise to the top of the App Store is a proud moment for India. It shows that with the right mix of features, accessibility, and national support, a homegrown app can stand up against even the biggest global players.
It may not replace WhatsApp overnight, but it can definitely build its own loyal community. With updates to chat security and a continued focus on user trust, Arattai has the chance to become the app Indians adopt with pride.
For me, Arattai is not just about messaging. It’s a signal that India is ready to back its own technology and shape its own digital future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
1. What is Arattai?
Arattai is a chat app made by Zoho. The word means “casual chat” in Tamil.
2. Who made Arattai app?
It is built by Zoho, a Chennai-based company known for its software products.
3. Is Arattai app free?
Yes, it’s free to download and use.
4. Is Arattai safe?
Calls are end-to-end encrypted. For chats, there is a Secret Chat option with encryption. Other chats are encrypted at rest, and Zoho is working to add full encryption.
5. How many people can join one group in Arattai?
Up to 1,000 members can join a group.
6. How many admins can a group have?
You can add up to 50 admins in one group.
7. Can I use Arattai on many devices?
Yes, you can use it on up to 5 devices like phone, tablet, or desktop.
8. Does Arattai work like SMS?
No, it only works with internet data, like WhatsApp.
9. Where can I download Arattai?
You can get it from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Window Store.
10. Why should I try Arattai?
It is an Indian-made app, works well on low-end phones and weak internet, and gives you another option besides WhatsApp.
Well explained 👏🏻