Arattai App by ZOHO: Can it really replace WhatsApp in India?
Updated: Aug 17
The last few days, my feed has been buzzing with one name: Arattai. If you haven’t heard yet, it’s Zoho’s own messaging app. It recently hit the top spot on Apple’s App Store after receiving public backing from Union ministers.
For me, this isn't just another app launch. It feels like a significant statement: India is serious about supporting its own tech products and building real alternatives.
What Exactly is the Arattai App?
The word Arattai means “casual chat” in Tamil, and that’s precisely what the app is designed for. It offers the same comfort and familiarity as WhatsApp.
The trend began 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 transitioned to Zoho’s office suite for his daily work. This endorsement gave Arattai a significant boost, sparking curiosity among people across India.
Zoho’s founder, Sridhar Vembu, later shared that this kind of support is a massive morale boost for the engineers who have been building Zoho products for over two decades.
Features That Caught My Eye
Arattai is not trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it provides users with what they already expect from a chat app, plus a few extras that make it stand out:
Chats and Groups: You can chat one-on-one or in groups. Groups can accommodate up to 1,000 members with as many as 50 admins.
Channels: Think of this as a broadcast tool. Only admins can post, ensuring updates remain clean. Channels can be public or private, and you can add multiple admins.
Stories and Stickers: Similar to WhatsApp Status or Instagram Stories, but with animated stickers to make chats more engaging.
Multi-Device Compatibility: You can use it on your phone, tablet, or desktop, with sync across up to five devices.
Import Old Chats: A feature I particularly like is the ability to import conversations from other platforms.
Designed for India: Even if you’re on a basic smartphone or a poor network, the app is designed to run smoothly.
Privacy and Security
This aspect is crucial for Indian users. Zoho has shared what’s currently available:
Calls: End-to-end encrypted.
Messages: There’s a “Secret Chat” option that provides end-to-end encryption. Other chats are encrypted at rest.
Data: All data is stored in India. This is a significant plus for those who care about where their data resides.
It’s not perfect yet, as regular chats are not fully encrypted like WhatsApp. However, Zoho has already indicated that they are 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 users may hesitate to leave WhatsApp.
Network Effect: Everyone you know is already on WhatsApp. Convincing people to switch won’t be easy.
Trust Factor: When the government promotes something, people often wonder, “Will my privacy be safe?” Zoho must be 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 the digital space. It shows we can create tools that compete with global giants while catering to local needs, such as compatibility with low-end phones and unreliable networks.
My Perspective
I’ve personally been using multiple Zoho products for over four years, from their email to their CRM. I’ve witnessed their consistency and quality. This gives me confidence that Zoho can improve Arattai and make it a strong player.
However, I feel the name Arattai is a bit tough to pronounce for those outside Tamil Nadu. From public feedback, many share this sentiment. A simpler name might help the app gain traction across India.
Still, the intent and effort are commendable. With enhanced chat security and a smoother user experience, Arattai can evolve into the app that Indians proudly call their own.
Final Thoughts
Arattai’s rise to the top of the App Store is a proud moment for India. It demonstrates 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 certainly build its own loyal community. With updates to chat security and a continued focus on user trust, Arattai has the potential to become the app that Indians adopt with pride.
For me, Arattai is not just about messaging. It’s a signal that India is ready to support its own technology and shape its 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 the Arattai app?
It is built by Zoho, a Chennai-based company known for its software products.
3. Is the 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 Windows 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 👏🏻