Arattai Messenger: Zoho’s Privacy-First Indian WhatsApp Alternative Taking Over the Market

Arattai (Tamil for chat, conversation, or banter) is Zoho’s attempt to provide Indians with a secure, lightweight, and culturally relevant alternative to WhatsApp.

Why is it being called the Indian WhatsApp?

• • Feature Parity: Instant messaging, voice/video calls, group chats, file sharing—all familiar to WhatsApp users.

  • Made in India: Unlike WhatsApp (Meta-owned, US-based), Arattai is built by Zoho, headquartered in Tamil Nadu.

This national identity plus global-standard features gives Arattai a strong positioning against WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and even the now-defunct Hike.

Real-World Context: Hike once tried to capture the Indian market with local stickers and themes but failed to scale. Arattai avoids this trap by combining WhatsApp-like familiarity with Zoho’s trusted brand and Indian-first philosophy.

Launched by Zoho Corporation, Arattai—which means “chat” in Tamil—was designed to be a lightweight, secure, and reliable messaging app tailored for Indian users. Unlike many foreign apps, it emphasises data privacy, local innovation, and ease of use.

Key highlights:

• • Made in India: Developed by one of India’s most respected software companies.

  • Lightweight: Small installation size, works seamlessly on budget smartphones.

  • End-to-End Encryption: Ensures secure conversations.

  • Cross-Platform Availability: Android and iOS users can connect effortlessly.

Arattai is owned by Zoho Corporation, a global SaaS powerhouse with over 100 million users worldwide. Founded by Sridhar Vembu, Zoho has always stood apart for its privacy-first approach and refusal to depend on ad-driven business models.

• • Vembu, a Padma Shri awardee, is an outspoken advocate for digital independence.

  • Zoho’s global headquarters are based in rural Tamil Nadu—reflecting his belief that world-class tech can emerge from beyond Silicon Valley.

  • Arattai aligns perfectly with his philosophy: “Made in India, for the world.”

At a time when WhatsApp’s privacy policies triggered widespread concern, Zoho seized the moment with Arattai, offering a trusted alternative rooted in Indian values.

One of the biggest questions around any messaging app is: Is it secure?

Here’s how Arattai fares:

• • End-to-End Encryption: Currently active for calls and video chats, with full chat-level E2EE under development. This puts it slightly behind WhatsApp and Signal today.

  • Data Sovereignty: Unlike WhatsApp (servers abroad), Arattai keeps user data in India, aligning with national data protection laws.

  • No Ads, No Data Selling: Zoho’s founder confirmed Arattai will never rely on ads or profiling, unlike WhatsApp’s Meta-driven monetization.

Pro Tip: While Arattai is strong on privacy, users handling highly sensitive data should watch for the rollout of full chat encryption.

Arattai looks familiar but adds unique features designed for Indian users:

• • Messaging & Calling: One-on-one chats, group messaging, voice notes, voice calls, and video calls—even on weak internet connections.

  • Arattai Web: Like WhatsApp Web, users can log in via browsers.

  • Cultural Relevance: Local language support, Indian stickers, and regional themes.

  • Cross-Device Sync: Sync messages across up to five devices, including Android TV.

  • Business Use Cases: Future plans to integrate with Zoho Workplace and CRM tools for enterprise adoption.

Real-World Example: Small businesses in Mumbai are already using Arattai for customer service and order coordination, ensuring data privacy without relying on global apps.

Arattai’s viral adoption curve is nothing short of remarkable.

• • Sign-ups skyrocketed from 3,000 to 350,000 daily in just three days.

  • This growth coincided with WhatsApp’s controversial data-sharing update, pushing users toward alternatives.

  • Its branding as a “Swadeshi WhatsApp” struck an emotional chord, making users feel they were supporting India’s digital independence.

Challenge Ahead: Despite this momentum, competing with WhatsApp’s 500 million Indian users is no small task. For Arattai to succeed, it must:

• • Deliver full chat-level E2EE soon.

  • Ensure scalability for millions of daily active users.

  • Keep innovating to avoid being “just another app.”

On Mobile (Android / iOS):

• • Open the Play Store or App Store.

  • Search for “Arattai Messenger” (by Zoho).

  • Tap Install/Get and open the app.

  • Register with your mobile number → Verify via OTP.

  • Set up profile → Start chatting.

On Desktop/Web:

• • Visit 👉 www.arattai.in

  • Log in with your account for browser-based access.

Tip: Arattai allows syncing across five devices. Perfect if you switch between phone, desktop, and TV.

• • India had over 1.2 billion mobile connections in 2024, with 60% smartphone penetration.

  • The instant messaging market in India is expected to grow at 8% CAGR through 2027.

  • WhatsApp holds the majority market share, but privacy-driven apps are gaining traction, especially after data controversies.

  • Arattai has seen millions of downloads within weeks of launch, placing it above even international giants in app store rankings.

• • Not Updating the App: Many users forget updates, missing out on security patches.

  • Ignoring Privacy Settings: Always configure who can see your profile, last seen, and groups.

  • Confusing It with WhatsApp: While the interface is familiar, it’s a new app—learn its unique settings.

  • Overlooking Data Backup Options: Ensure your chats are backed up securely to avoid data loss.

Arattai is Zoho’s first major consumer tech push. Its roadmap likely includes:

• • Deeper integration with Zoho’s business suite.

  • Enterprise-grade encrypted chat for corporates.

  • AI-driven personalization for smarter messaging.

If Zoho plays its cards right, Arattai could become not just an app but a bridge between Indian enterprise dominance and consumer tech success.

Arattai is more than a product—it’s a symbol of India’s digital ambition. With explosive growth, cultural resonance, and a promise of privacy, it stands as the strongest Indian rival to WhatsApp yet.

Will it dethrone WhatsApp’s monopoly? That remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Arattai has arrived at the perfect moment, riding the wave of India’s demand for self-reliance and privacy-first tools.

Arattai’s rise is not just about messaging—it symbolizes India’s digital independence. With the government encouraging local app ecosystems and users demanding privacy, we may see more Indian apps topping global charts.

For businesses, this means exploring homegrown alternatives instead of relying solely on foreign giants. For users, it means having more control and assurance over personal data.