In a remarkable turn of events that underscores India’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in technology, Arattai, the instant messaging app developed by Chennai-based Zoho Corporation, has catapulted to the number one spot in the Social Networking category on Apple’s App Store in India. As of September 29, 2025, the app has seen an explosive surge in downloads, jumping from around 100,000 on Google Play Store just days ago to over 500,000, reflecting a broader national movement toward “Swadeshi” or indigenous products. This ascent comes on the heels of endorsements from high-profile government figures and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which encourages the adoption of homegrown alternatives to foreign tech giants like WhatsApp.
Launched quietly in January 2021 amid global privacy concerns triggered by WhatsApp’s policy changes, Arattai whose name derives from the Tamil word for “chat” or “chit-chat” was initially positioned as a simple, secure, and privacy-focused messaging platform. What began as what some described as a “scrappy side project” by Zoho has now evolved into a symbol of India’s tech sovereignty, challenging the dominance of international apps in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets. With over 1.3 billion people in India increasingly reliant on digital communication, Arattai’s rise highlights a shift toward apps that prioritize data security, low-resource usage, and cultural relevance.
The Genesis: Launch and Early Days
Arattai made its debut in January 2021, a time when privacy scandals were rocking the messaging world. WhatsApp’s announcement of updates to its privacy policy, which allowed greater data sharing with its parent company Meta (then Facebook), sparked widespread backlash globally, including in India. Seizing the moment, Zoho Corporation—a multinational software giant founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu—introduced Arattai as a “Made-in-India” alternative. The app was designed to be lightweight, running smoothly even on low-end smartphones common in rural and semi-urban India, where data costs and device capabilities remain barriers to tech adoption.
In its early days, Arattai garnered modest attention. By the end of its first week, it had crossed 20,000 downloads, a promising start for a newcomer in a market saturated with established players like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. Zoho’s Vice President Praval Singh, in a statement at the time, emphasized the app’s focus on user privacy and future enhancements. “We plan to introduce end-to-end encryption and features like a digital locker soon,” Singh told media outlets, addressing concerns about data security that had plagued competitors. He also defended the app’s Tamil name, noting that global brands like Huawei and Xiaomi thrive despite unfamiliar names, and that Sridhar Vembu “loved the name Arattai” for its cultural roots.
Zoho Corporation itself issued statements positioning Arattai as more than just a chat app. “Arattai is simple, secure, and Indian-made,” read the official description on app stores, highlighting its no-ads policy and commitment to keeping user data within India. This resonated with early adopters, particularly in the wake of India’s data localization debates and the government’s push for domestic tech solutions.
What is Arattai? Features and Functionality
At its core, Arattai is an instant messaging app designed for seamless communication in a diverse, data-conscious market. It supports a wide array of features that mirror and in some cases, surpass those of its rivals. Users can send text messages, voice notes, and make audio or video calls with end-to-end encryption for calls (though full chat encryption is still in development, as per recent feedback). Group chats accommodate up to 1,000 participants, making it ideal for large communities, families, or professional networks.
The app also allows sharing of photos, documents, stories, and more, with additional tools like channels for broadcasts similar to WhatsApp’s channels but optimized for low-data environments. Multi-device support extends to mobile, desktop, and even Android TV, ensuring accessibility across platforms. One standout feature is its efficiency: Arattai is built to consume minimal data and battery, running smoothly on budget devices, which Sridhar Vembu has repeatedly emphasized in public statements. “Arattai will run smoothly on low-end phones,” Vembu confirmed, addressing India’s vast user base with older hardware.
Unlike ad-heavy apps, Arattai promises a clutter-free experience, aligning with Zoho’s broader philosophy of user centric software. Reviews on Google Play and App Store praise its simplicity and security, though some users note the need for broader encryption and bug fixes in its beta-like state. As of September 2025, the app boasts a 4.5-star rating on Google Play, with users highlighting its “spyware-free” nature and Indian origins.
How to Download Arattai
Downloading Arattai is straightforward and accessible to anyone with a smartphone. For Android users, head to the Google Play Store, search for “Arattai Messenger” (developed by Zoho Corporation), and tap “Install.” The app is free and requires no payment for core features. iOS users can find it on the Apple App Store by searching the same term and tapping “Get.” Alternatively, visit the official website at arattai.in, where a QR code scan directly leads to the download page. Once installed, sign up with a phone number, verify via OTP, and start chatting. The process mirrors WhatsApp but emphasizes Indian servers for data storage.
The Surge to the Top: Endorsements and Download Boom
Arattai’s journey from obscurity to chart-topper accelerated dramatically in late September 2025. Just days before reaching the pinnacle, daily sign-ups exploded from 3,000 to 350,000 in a mere three days, overwhelming servers and prompting Zoho to announce rapid expansions. “We’re officially #1 in Social Networking on the App Store!” Zoho proclaimed on social media, crediting the surge to organic growth and government backing.
Key to this rise were endorsements from Union Ministers. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed Arattai as a “Swadeshi messaging platform,” urging Indians to adopt it under Modi’s self-reliance drive. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed this, positioning the app as a secure alternative to foreign platforms. PM Modi’s recent remarks on reducing dependence on foreign nations further fueled the momentum, with Arattai embodying the Aatmanirbhar ethos.
On X (formerly Twitter), influencers and users amplified the buzz. Posts like “Proud to use and say ‘ARATTAI'” went viral, countering colonial mindset critiques. Comedian Jagan Krishnan humorously addressed pronunciation debates, noting it’s “not that hard” and poking fun at brand names. Tech leaders joined in: Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, congratulated Zoho on the sign-up surge, saying, “Congrats to Zoho!” Sridhar Vembu himself engaged actively, promising continuous updates and a marketing push to sustain growth.
Company and Spokesperson Insights
Zoho has been vocal about Arattai’s role in India’s digital landscape. In recent statements, the company stressed its commitment to scalability: “We’re working hard to expand servers,” amid the download rush. Vembu, a vocal advocate for rural tech and self-reliance, reiterated that Arattai represents Zoho’s ethos of building for India first. “For Zoho, Arattai is more than just another app. It represents an attempt to show that Indian companies can build secure and user-friendly platforms,” the company noted.
Feedback from users has been incorporated, with Zoho responding to suggestions like integrating with other services. “Our team is constantly listening and exploring ways to make Arattai more useful,” read a recent X post. Praval Singh’s earlier vision of encryption and lockers is being realized, with ongoing beta improvements.
Beyond ministers, big names in tech and entertainment have commented. Investor Jiten Parmar praised the app’s potential, urging patience for updates while expressing pride in Indian products. Marketing expert Shashi Bellamkonda analyzed the “phenomenon,” noting influencer traction and privacy appeal. Even historical parallels were drawn, with early supporters like Mahesh Vikram Hegde calling it “India’s competition to WhatsApp” back in 2021.
Critics, however, question if it can fully replace WhatsApp, citing network effects and missing features like universal encryption. Yet, positive reviews dominate, with users like those on Instagram calling it “free, user-friendly, secure, and reliable.”
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Arattai’s success is emblematic of India’s tech evolution. With 800 million smartphone users, the app taps into a market ripe for disruption, especially as data privacy laws tighten. Its low-data optimization addresses digital divides, potentially reaching rural users underserved by resource-heavy apps.
Looking ahead, Zoho plans integrations like UPI payments and e-governance tools, per user suggestions. Challenges remain: scaling infrastructure, adding full encryption, and building network effects. But with government support and influencer buzz, Arattai could redefine messaging in India.
As of September 29, 2025, Arattai stands as a testament to innovation and nationalism converging. Whether it dethrones WhatsApp remains to be seen, but its journey from launch to leaderboard is already a win for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
