Arattai: A Simple, Indian-Made Messaging App in 2025
Arattai is a messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation, a reputable Indian software company based in Tamil Nadu. Launched to offer a secure and user-friendly communication platform, Arattai has garnered attention in 2025 as a homegrown alternative to established global messaging apps.
Unlike many other apps, Arattai focuses on simplicity, privacy, and catering to Indian users, especially those using budget smartphones or low-speed internet connections. This blog provides a straightforward look at what Arattai is, its features, privacy aspects, challenges, and what users can expect.
Origin and Development
Zoho Corporation, known for its business software solutions, developed Arattai using its years of experience in communication technologies. The app’s name “Arattai” means “casual chat” in Tamil, reflecting the app’s aim to facilitate everyday conversations.
Arattai was widely available before 2025 but saw increased user interest recently, partly due to government officials referencing it in discussions about indigenous technology. Importantly, Arattai is a standalone project by Zoho and not part of any consortium or alliance.
Key Features of Arattai
Arattai offers the fundamental features users expect from a messaging app:
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Text Messaging & Media Sharing: Send messages including photos, videos, documents, and voice notes.
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Voice & Video Calls: Secure calling options optimized for variable internet quality.
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Group Chats & Channels: Connect with multiple people simultaneously, create groups, and broadcast to audiences.
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Multi-Device Support: Use Arattai on smartphones, desktops, tablets, and even Android TV, syncing messages and contacts.
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Regional Language Support: Supports various Indian languages and custom stickers themed around festivals and culture.
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Usernames: Unlike many chat apps, Arattai allows users to create unique usernames so others can contact them without sharing phone numbers.
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Lightweight & Optimized: Designed to work well on low-end smartphones and slow internet environments common in rural India.
Privacy and Data Security
Privacy is a key consideration for Arattai:
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Data Storage: All user data is stored on Zoho’s own Indian servers, adhering to data localization principles.
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Encryption: End-to-end encryption protects voice and video calls. However, text chat encryption is still under development and has not yet been independently audited or fully implemented. This is a critical difference to keep in mind.
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No Ads or Data Selling: Zoho states Arattai does not monetize user data through advertising or profiling, differentiating it from many ad-driven apps.
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Privacy Controls: Users can control who sees their last seen, whether read receipts are sent, who can add them to groups, and other standard privacy settings.
While efforts continue to enhance encryption for messages, users requiring the highest level of chat security should be aware that this feature is pending full implementation.
Technical Strengths and Challenges
Arattai’s strengths and challenges currently include:
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Strengths:
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Streamlined interface with essential features, good for basic messaging needs.
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Works well on slow or intermittent networks.
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Cross-platform flexibility including use on desktops and Android TV.
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Challenges:
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Sudden growth led to infrastructure strain, causing experiences like delayed OTP verification, slower contact sync, and occasional call drops. Zoho is actively expanding server capacity.
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Lack of complete, audited end-to-end encryption for chat messages is an ongoing security gap.
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Some advanced features found on mature apps are still in development.
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These issues are typical for new apps gaining rapid adoption, and Zoho has publicly committed to resolving them swiftly.
How Arattai Differs from Other Messaging Apps
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Allows using usernames instead of phone numbers, increasing privacy and flexibility in contacts.
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Prioritizes a clean, lightweight design suited for India’s diverse user base.
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Stores data entirely within India, supporting data sovereignty goals.
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Does not yet have a full set of business tools or payment integrations common in global apps—these may come in future updates.
User Feedback and Experience
Based on user reviews and independent observations:
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Many users appreciate Arattai’s simplicity and the lack of ads or intrusive permissions.
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The app performs well on average smartphones with decent internet.
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Some users note issues with message syncing or call stability during peak hours.
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Users also value the ability to switch between multiple devices seamlessly.
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Privacy-conscious users await full chat encryption before fully migrating.
Conclusion
Arattai, backed by Zoho’s experience and infrastructure, presents a promising homegrown messaging alternative designed for Indian users’ needs. Its current focus on privacy, lightweight design, and local data storage is beneficial, especially for users in low bandwidth environments.
However, as security features like encrypted text messaging are still underway and infrastructure scaling remains in progress, the app is best suited for users looking for a simple chat tool with growing potential. Those requiring mature, fully secured messaging might prefer established options until Arattai’s roadmap matures.
Users interested in supporting indigenous technology or seeking an alternative with username-based contacts may find Arattai worth trying, while keeping realistic expectations about ongoing development and feature enhancement.
Sources
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Official Arattai website (https://www.arattai.in)
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Independent user reviews from app stores
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Neutral tech journal analysis: India TV Tech, Financial Express, some NDTV reviews
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Zoho co-founder communications and public interviews
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