India’s own messaging app Arattai, built by software giant Zoho, is making big waves in the digital world. The app has now crossed 7.5 million downloads across Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, becoming one of the fastest-growing Indian apps technology of recent times. What makes this story even more interesting is that Arattai is offering features that even global leader WhatsApp has not introduced yet in 2025.
One of the standout features is an Android TV version of the app, something WhatsApp users have been waiting for but still don’t have. This alone has given Arattai an edge, helping it climb to the number one spot on the App Store.
What is Arattai?
The word “Arattai” means “casual chat” in Tamil, which perfectly explains the app’s purpose: to make communication simple and easy for everyone.
Launched by Zoho Corporation, one of India’s most respected software companies, Arattai is designed to be fast, lightweight, and user-friendly. It is not just another messaging app trying to copy WhatsApp or Telegram. Instead, it is built with a clear vision to serve users in India and beyond who may not always have access to high-speed internet or expensive smartphones.
According to Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho, Arattai is about inclusivity. He wanted an app that works even on basic phones and poor internet connections, so that no one is left behind in the digital world.
Key Features That Make this App Special
This App has many of the standard features you would expect from a messaging app texting, calling, file sharing, group chats, stickers, and more. But what makes it unique are the features that directly solve the challenges faced by many Indian users.
1. Low Bandwidth Optimization
It is designed to work smoothly even when the internet is weak or unstable. This is a big deal in rural areas and small towns where high-speed internet is not always available.
2. Lightweight Design
Unlike heavy apps that slow down cheaper phones, It is very light on memory and battery usage. This makes it accessible for people using budget-friendly smartphones.
3. Seamless Performance
Even though it is lightweight, It doesn’t compromise on speed or quality. Calls connect quickly, messages are delivered fast, and the app is simple to use.
4. Android TV Support
This is one feature that has caught everyone’s attention. It has an Android TV version, meaning you can chat or make calls from your television. WhatsApp still doesn’t offer this feature, giving Arattai a clear advantage.
The Vision Behind this application
Zoho’s founder Sridhar Vembu believes technology should not only serve the rich and urban population but also reach those with limited resources. He explained that Arattai was created with this goal in mind to bridge the digital gap in India and other developing countries.
In his own words, he reminded his team:
This mindset of patience and persistence is what kept the Arattai team focused for years before the app became a success.
Vembu also explained that while Arattai may look like a simple app, it has deep technology running inside. The app is powered by a messaging and audio-video (AV) framework that Zoho has been perfecting for more than 15 years. This framework ensures crisp calls, quick connections, strong security, and reliable performance.
The Growth Story
This application growth has been nothing short of impressive. In a short span of time, it crossed 7.5 million downloads, becoming one of the most downloaded messaging apps in India.
This growth has been supported by several factors:
Government support: Union ministers like Ashwini Vaishnaw, Piyush Goyal, and Dharmendra Pradhan have openly endorsed Arattai, encouraging citizens to use Indian-made apps.
Social media buzz: Invitations to download Arattai have gone viral, ironically even spreading through WhatsApp groups.
Industry endorsements: Business leaders like Anand Mahindra have also shown support. Mahindra tweeted that he downloaded Arattai “with pride” and wished it success.
This combination of government backing, public excitement, and industry trust has helped Arattai quickly gain popularity.
Why Arattai Matters for India
India is on a mission to become digitally self-reliant. The government has been pushing for the use of “Swadeshi” (homegrown) software and platforms, especially in areas like cybersecurity, cloud services, and artificial intelligence.
Messaging apps are a critical part of daily communication, and until now, India mostly relied on foreign apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Arattai changes that by giving Indians a strong, reliable, and locally built alternative.
Experts believe this is not just about one app—it’s about building trust in Indian technology.
Expert Opinions
Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, said the rise of Arattai is not just a short-term trend but part of a larger movement. He explained that India has very few homegrown alternatives in the AI era, and Arattai shows that it is possible to build strong local solutions.
Faisal Kawoosa, Founder of Techarc, noted that leaders promoting Indian apps is a positive step. However, he also highlighted that small businesses (MSMEs) are very price-sensitive. For Arattai to succeed long-term, the government may need to provide incentives or tax benefits for using local software.
Challenges Ahead
While Arattai is growing fast, the journey ahead will not be easy. Global giants like WhatsApp, owned by Meta, have deep pockets and huge resources. They can afford to lower their prices or add new features quickly to protect their market share.
Also, WhatsApp already has a massive user base, which makes it harder for a new app to convince people to switch.
However, Arattai’s strength lies in its local focus. By serving users in rural areas, low-bandwidth regions, and people who prefer lightweight apps, Arattai is targeting a niche that global apps have mostly ignored.
The Future
Looking ahead, Arattai is well-placed to grow even further. As more people in India’s rural and semi-urban areas come online, the demand for apps that work on low bandwidth will rise. Arattai is ready to fill that gap.
Zoho also has a strong background in research and development (R&D). Vembu recently shifted full-time into R&D and promised more innovations in the future. This means Arattai is likely to keep improving and offering new features.
If the momentum continues, Arattai could become not just a WhatsApp rival, but a symbol of India’s digital independence.
Conclusion
This success is a proud moment for India’s tech industry. With more than 7.5 million downloads, a number one ranking on the App Store, and support from government leaders and industry giants, it has proven that Indian apps can compete with global players.
By focusing on lightweight design, low bandwidth use, and unique features like Android TV support, Arattai has carved its own identity. More importantly, it shows how technology can be made inclusive and accessible for everyone, not just those with expensive devices or fast internet.
As Sridhar Vembu says, the team must keep going without getting distracted. If they do, Arattai may well become the true Made-in-India alternative to WhatsApp, changing the way millions of people connect and communicate.
