Do You Know about Arattai ?
Arattai is an Indian instant messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation. The name “Arattai” comes from Tamil and means “chat”, “casual talk” or “gossip.It offers typical messaging app features: text, voice notes, media sharing, documents, audio/video calls, stories, groups, and channels. t supports multi-device use (up to 5 devices) and has desktop clients.
In today’s world, where instant messaging apps dominate communication, new entrants face the challenge of competing with tech giants like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. Yet, one homegrown app from India, called Arattai, has begun capturing serious attention. Built with privacy, cultural relevance, and innovation in mind, Arattai is emerging as a strong alternative.
This article will take a deep dive into Arattai, exploring its origins, unique features, privacy aspects, and why it might be the next big player in the messaging landscape.
The Meaning and Origin of Arattai.
The word “Arattai” comes from Tamil, meaning chat or casual talk. The name reflects the app’s vision of creating a platform for easy, secure, and friendly conversations.
Arattai was developed by Zoho Corporation, a Chennai-based multinational software company led by visionary entrepreneur Sridhar Vembu. Zoho has a reputation for building world-class SaaS products, and Arattai is part of their larger push to create India-first digital platforms that emphasize sovereignty, privacy, and independence from foreign tech giants.
Arattai was launched in response to growing concerns over data privacy and dependence on foreign platforms like WhatsApp, especially after WhatsApp’s controversial policy updates.
Arattai isn’t just a clone of WhatsApp. It brings several unique features to the table:
1. Instant Messaging and Groups
- One-on-one messaging with stickers, emojis, and multimedia support
- Group chats for families, friends, and teams
- Channels for public discussions and community updates
2. Voice and Video Calling
- High-quality voice and video calls
- Support for group video calls
- End-to-end encrypted calls for security
3. Multi-Device Login
Unlike WhatsApp, which only recently introduced multi-device support, Arattai allows up to 5 devices to stay logged in simultaneously.
4. Media and File Sharing
- Share photos, videos, and audio messages
- Transfer documents and PDFs easily
- Cloud backup options for chats and files
5. Business-Friendly Tools
Arattai is building tools for business communication, similar to WhatsApp Business, making it useful for small enterprises.
Arattai vs WhatsApp: Key Comparison.
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Zoho (India) | Meta (USA) |
| End-to-End Encryption | Calls only (texts upcoming) | Default for all chats |
| Multi-Device Support | Up to 5 devices | Limited multi-device |
| Data Storage | Within India | Global servers |
| Channels & Groups | Yes | Yes |
From the table, it’s clear that Arattai’s strengths lie in privacy, localization, and multi-device convenience, although WhatsApp still leads in encryption maturity.
Why Arattai is Called “Made in India”
The app carries the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) spirit. By creating a competitive messaging platform, Zoho ensures:
- Independence from foreign tech giants
- A culturally relevant name and design
- Local job creation and innovation
This strong national identity resonates with millions of Indians who prefer using homegrown products.
Challenges Faced by Arattai
Despite its rapid growth, Arattai has hurdles to overcome:
- Encryption gap: Messages are not yet fully encrypted.
- Global competition: WhatsApp and Telegram already dominate worldwide.
- Scalability: Massive surges in signups have strained infrastructure.
- Brand recognition: While “Arattai” is familiar in Tamil Nadu, it may sound less accessible in other regions.
Why Users Are Switching to Arattai
Several factors are driving users toward Arattai:
- Concerns about WhatsApp’s data-sharing with Meta
- Endorsements from Indian ministers and public figures
- A desire to support local innovations
- Features like multi-device login and channels
How to Download and Use Arattai
Getting started with Arattai is simple:
- Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Sign up using your phone number.
- Verify with an OTP.
- Start chatting, calling, or joining groups instantly.
For desktops, Windows, Mac, and Linux versions are available.
The Future of Arattai
Arattai has ambitious plans:
- Full chat encryption rollout
- Larger group video meetings (up to 250 participants)
- Better business integration tools
- Expansion beyond India to become a global messaging alternative
If Zoho continues innovating, Arattai could become a serious contender in the global messaging ecosystem.
While WhatsApp remains the giant of messaging, Arattai’s rise is a sign of change. It embodies privacy, Indian innovation, and cultural identity. Though it faces challenges, its fast adoption and unique features make it a platform worth watching.
For those seeking a secure, local, and innovative alternative, Arattai is already proving to be more than just another app—it’s a movement.
