Messaging an calling app, Arattai, developed by Zoho Corporation, —being touted as an indigenous rival to WhatsApp as it allows users to send messages, media, and documents, make audio and video calls, share stories, and create channels, among others—seems to have found a solid fanbase as several users have taken to social media to praise the app.
Arattai, meaning "casual talk" or "chit-chat" in Tamil, received a solid endorsement when IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged people to check out the platform.
I appeal to everyone to switch to India-made apps for staying connected with friends and family, Pradhan had said in a tweet.
Arattai instant messaging app developed by @Zoho is free, easy-to-use, secure, safe and ‘Made in India’.
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 24, 2025
Guided by Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s call to adopt Swadeshi, I appeal to everyone to switch to India-made apps for staying connected with friends and family.… pic.twitter.com/Tptgbzgivg
Several people, who tried the app, gave their feedback on X, with some calling it "India’s WhatsApp killer."
" Already matches WhatsApp in look, feel, and usability.
@svembu says it’s still alpha and improving fast. Can’t wait for a spyware-free product!," wrote author and entrepreneur Vivek Wadhwa.
Just tried India’s WhatsApp killer: Arattai. Already matches WhatsApp in look, feel, and usability. @svembu says it’s still alpha and improving fast. Can’t wait for a spyware-free product!
— Vivek Wadhwa (@wadhwa) September 27, 2025
My old friend is running engineering himself and asked for feedback. Mine: rename it to…
"...it's super user-friendly, sleek, plus they're proudly Made in India! 🇮🇳 Perfect for personal work. Everyone should give these amazing apps a try!,: wrote a user.
Just tried @ZohoMail & @Arattai by @Zoho and it's super user-friendly, sleek, plus they're proudly Made in India! 🇮🇳 Perfect for personal work. Everyone should give these amazing apps a try! And I promise you won't be disappointed! pic.twitter.com/Owsm9BzNcz
— Aditya (@adixran) September 27, 2025
Another user claimed that it is not just a replacement for WhatsApp, it is "Whatsapp + Google meet + Zoom."
Just Downloaded Arattai and found out that its not a replacement of Whatsapp.
— Nikhil Gangil (@Intrinsic_cycle) September 27, 2025
Its Whatsapp + Google meet + Zoom pic.twitter.com/P7ZGv3ojqO
It was pointed out that "Bharat's own Arattai Messenger is currently the 18th most downloaded app in Indian App Store."
🇮🇳📈Bharat's own Arattai Messenger is currently the 18th most downloaded app in Indian App Store.
— Manan Chauhan (@MananCh65925426) September 27, 2025
It ranks 2nd in Social Networking category.#Arattai
"Finally many are moving to
@Zoho apps. Hopefully many start using @Arattai
and it replaces WhatsApp," wrote another.
Finally many are moving to @Zoho apps. Hopefully many start using @Arattai and it replaces WhatsApp.
— Vegeta (@VVandhiyathevan) September 25, 2025
Do check their Ula Browser too @UlaaBrowser . Worth the try. 👍🙂