New Delhi, Oct.09,2025:The Arattai Messaging App, developed by Indian tech giant Zoho Corporation, has suddenly become one of the most talked-about apps in the country. Within just seven days, the app reportedly surpassed 7 million downloads, igniting conversations about whether India’s homegrown innovation can finally rival WhatsApp, the global leader in messaging-
The word “Arattai” translates to “chat” or “banter” in Tamil, a fitting name for an app that aims to connect people across India through seamless digital communication.
But the question remains: Can Arattai Messaging App truly challenge WhatsApp’s dominance in India, where the Meta-owned platform has over 500 million active users?
The Sudden Rise of Arattai
According to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, Arattai had fewer than 10,000 downloads in August. But by late September, it skyrocketed to millions — a surge fueled by growing calls for “Made in India” products and government-backed digital self-reliance campaigns like Make in India and Digital India.
The turning point came when Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan endorsed the app on X (formerly Twitter), urging citizens to “embrace indigenous innovation.” Soon after, several ministers, industry leaders, and influencers joined the movement, catapulting Arattai into the national spotlight.
Zoho’s CEO, Sridhar Vembu, told Media News that the spike in downloads “showed how excited Indian users are about supporting a truly native product that meets their everyday communication needs.”
“Within just three days, our daily sign-ups rose from 3,000 to over 350,000,” said Vembu. “Active users have grown 100 times, and this growth hasn’t slowed.”
However, he remained cautious, noting that Arattai’s success depends on sustained user engagement — not just a wave of initial enthusiasm.
What Makes Arattai Different
The Arattai Messaging App mirrors many of WhatsApp’s core features — including instant messaging, voice and video calls, and business tools — but with a twist of Indian innovation.
Key features include–
- Lightweight performance on low-end phones
- Smooth functioning on slow internet connections
- Simple and familiar interface
- Focus on privacy and data control
Like WhatsApp, Arattai aims to serve both individual and business users, providing secure communication channels for companies, startups, and communities.
Many early users on social media praised its clean design, ease of use, and patriotic appeal, calling it “the Indian answer to WhatsApp.”
Government Support Boosts the Indian App Movement
The Indian government’s increasing push for self-reliance has played a huge role in Arattai’s success. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaigns like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) have encouraged citizens to choose domestic digital alternatives over foreign apps.
With rising trade tensions and digital sovereignty debates, many Indians are eager to adopt homegrown technology. Arattai has become a symbol of digital nationalism, aligning perfectly with the government’s messaging.
Zoho’s Vision Behind Arattai
Founded in 1996, Zoho Corporation is one of India’s most respected tech companies, known globally for its business software ecosystem.
According to Sridhar Vembu, Arattai was originally launched quietly in 2021, but the company never aggressively promoted it — until now.
“We wanted Arattai to evolve naturally,” Vembu said. “What we’re seeing now is the outcome of years of effort to build a scalable, secure communication platform rooted in Indian values.”
Zoho insists that Arattai’s growth is not just about competition, but about offering choice in a digital market dominated by multinational corporations.
Can Arattai Compete With WhatsApp’s Scale
While Arattai’s rise is impressive, experts say competing with WhatsApp will be an uphill battle.
WhatsApp’s integration into daily life — from family chats to business transactions — makes it deeply entrenched in India’s digital ecosystem.
“It’s extremely difficult for any app to displace WhatsApp in India. Businesses, government agencies, and millions of users are tied into its infrastructure.”
Still, he acknowledges Arattai’s potential-
“If it continues to improve and stay true to its privacy promises, Arattai could carve out a loyal niche among users seeking Indian alternatives.”
Can Nationalism Drive User Retention
Experts argue that national pride alone may not guarantee long-term success. While initial downloads are driven by emotion, sustained engagement requires consistent innovation.
“Nationalism may spark curiosity, but retention needs performance, reliability, and trust,” said digital strategist Ankit Gera.
Arattai must not only attract new users but also keep them engaged with continuous updates, bug fixes, and business integrations — areas where Meta’s WhatsApp currently excels.
Data Privacy Concerns Around Arattai
Despite its rise, data privacy has become a growing concern. While Arattai provides end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, it does not yet encrypt text messages, raising red flags among cybersecurity experts.
Shashidhar K.J., Managing Editor at Medianama, noted-
“The Indian government’s desire for traceable messaging makes it challenging for local apps to offer full encryption. Arattai’s current setup may allow easier government access to user data.”
In response, Zoho CEO Vembu assured that end-to-end encryption for text messages is in progress and will roll out soon.
“We want users to have complete control over their data,” he said. “Once full encryption is implemented, even we won’t be able to access user conversations.”
For comparison, WhatsApp already offers full encryption for both messages and calls, though it shares metadata with authorities under legal conditions.
India’s Legal Landscape and Its Impact on Local Apps
India’s evolving digital laws pose another challenge for Arattai Messaging App. Under current regulations, platforms must share user data with authorities in certain cases.
Global giants like Meta (WhatsApp) and X (formerly Twitter) have the legal and financial muscle to challenge such demands in court — as seen in the 2021 legal battle where WhatsApp sued the Indian government over new IT rules that threatened privacy protections.
Local startups, however, lack similar resources. Analysts warn that Arattai, being a domestic company, may face pressure to comply with data requests from the government more readily.
Tech policy expert Rahul Matthan stated-
“Unless Zoho clarifies its stance on government access and user data, many users will hesitate to fully migrate to Arattai.”
How Arattai Fits Into the Tech Ecosystem
India’s rise as a digital innovation hub is reshaping global tech trends. The Arattai Messaging App represents not just competition for WhatsApp, but also the broader push for digital sovereignty in emerging economies.
Other countries, too, are developing national alternatives to global apps — from China’s WeChat to Russia’s Telegram. Arattai’s success could inspire similar initiatives across Asia and Africa.
Challenges and Opportunities
To sustain its growth, Arattai must address several key challenges-
- Ensure complete end-to-end encryption to build trust.
- Compete on features — such as payments, business APIs, and group management.
- Retain users with continuous innovation and strong customer support.
- Navigate government pressure while upholding user privacy.
If Zoho succeeds, Arattai could become a global benchmark for ethical, Indian-built communication platforms.
Can Arattai Sustain Its Meteoric Growth
The Arattai Messaging App stands at a fascinating crossroads. Its rapid rise showcases India’s capacity for world-class digital innovation, fueled by national pride and technological ambition.
