About Arattai
In today’s digital age, messaging apps have become a part of our everyday lives. While WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal dominate the global market, India now has its very own “Swadeshi” alternative – Arattai.
Developed by Zoho Corporation, a respected Indian software company, Arattai (a Tamil word that means “chat” or “casual conversation”) is designed to give users a secure, reliable, and made-in-India communication platform.
Why Arattai?
Arattai was first introduced in 2021, around the time when WhatsApp’s privacy policy changes raised concerns among Indian users. With rising demand for homegrown apps and the government’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, Zoho saw the opportunity to create an Indian alternative that could stand tall against global giants.
The app recently witnessed a massive surge in popularity. Daily sign-ups shot up from a few thousand to over three lakh new users per day. This growth has been further fueled by endorsements from leaders like Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who called it “free, secure, safe, and made in India.”
Key Features of Arattai
Arattai has been built to deliver all the essential features people look for in a messaging app, with a focus on simplicity and security.
- One-to-One and Group Chats – Connect easily with friends, family, and teams.
- Voice and Video Calls – High-quality calling with end-to-end encryption for extra safety.
- File Sharing – Share photos, videos, and documents with ease.
- Stories & Channels – Post updates or follow channels for quick information.
- Large Groups – Create groups with up to 1,000 members, useful for communities and businesses.
- Multi-Device Access – Available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Chat Import – Easily migrate conversations from other apps for a smooth transition.
Security & Privacy
When it comes to security, Arattai emphasizes data protection and privacy. Voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that conversations remain private. However, text messages are not yet fully encrypted – something Zoho is expected to improve in future updates.
Importantly, Zoho has assured that user data will never be sold or shared with third parties, which is a big plus for privacy-conscious users.
Growth & Public Response
Arattai’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Within weeks, it became one of the top social networking apps on the Indian App Store. The app’s success also shows the increasing trust in homegrown digital solutions and the willingness of users to adopt an Indian alternative when given a quality product.
Advantages of Arattai
- 🇮🇳 Made in India – A trusted local alternative to foreign apps.
- 🔒 Strong Privacy Focus – Calls are end-to-end encrypted, with minimal data sharing.
- 👥 Community Friendly – Large group support and easy file sharing.
- 📱 Cross-Platform – Works seamlessly across mobile and desktop.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its popularity, Arattai faces some challenges:
- Competing with WhatsApp’s massive user base will not be easy.
- Lack of full encryption for text messages may concern privacy-focused users.
- Infrastructure needs rapid scaling to handle millions of users smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Arattai is more than just another messaging app – it represents India’s growing confidence in creating world-class digital products. While it still has some way to go before it can rival WhatsApp in scale and features, its quick adoption shows that Indians are ready to support a reliable, secure, and Swadeshi alternative.
For those looking to move away from global apps and try something truly Indian, Arattai is worth a shot.