In the last few days, a new messaging app has grabbed everyone’s attention. Its name is Arattai, which in Tamil means “chat” or “conversation.” The app is designed to offer a simple and secure way to connect, and its sudden rise has made it the top social networking app in India’s app stores. Millions of people have already downloaded it, and it is now being talked about as a homegrown alternative to WhatsApp.
The concept behind Arattai is simple. WhatsApp has long dominated India, with over 500 million users. But rising concerns about data privacy, foreign ownership, and a growing desire to support Indian-made products opened the door for a homegrown alternative. Arattai was created to meet this demand, offering a chat service developed entirely in India.
Arattai is developed by Zoho Corporation, a company known globally for its enterprise software products. The word Arattai comes from Tamil, meaning “chat” or “conversation.” The app lets users send text messages, make voice and video calls, share files, and create groups just like WhatsApp. But unlike earlier Indian-made chat apps, Arattai benefits from Zoho’s strong technical infrastructure, giving it credibility and reliability.
The app is the brainchild of Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, who is known for building a billion-dollar software company while choosing to work from rural Tamil Nadu. Vembu has long emphasized the importance of creating products for India, in India. Arattai reflects this philosophy, combining his vision of self-reliance with Zoho’s technical expertise.
Competition with WhatsApp
Arattai enters a market where WhatsApp is deeply entrenched. Families, businesses, and institutions rely on it for daily communication. Convincing people to switch is never easy. Still, Arattai is gaining traction for two main reasons: its Swadeshi identity and a focus on data privacy. In the past week alone, the app saw over 3.5 lakh daily sign-ups and a hundred-fold surge in traffic. This sudden momentum has put Arattai in direct comparison with WhatsApp.
While both apps offer messaging, calls, and media sharing, Arattai has a few extras. Pocket allows users to save notes, files, or messages for personal use, while Meetings supports video conferencing, a feature WhatsApp doesn’t natively have. WhatsApp still has the edge with full end-to-end encryption for messages, while Arattai currently encrypts calls.
Some of Arattai’s key features include text, voice, and video chat, high-quality calls, group conversations, broadcast channels, easy file sharing, Pocket for private notes, and Meetings for collaboration. The app is also lightweight, so it runs smoothly on low-end phones and even in areas with slow internet.
The benefits of Arattai over WhatsApp are clear to many Indian users. It is a Swadeshi platform built in India, which appeals to those looking for digital self-reliance. Its lightweight design makes it practical for rural areas where low-end devices and slower networks are common. Tools like Pocket and Meetings make it more than just a messaging app.
A Swadeshi Identity
Being a Swadeshi app is a big part of Arattai’s identity. Its rise comes at a time when more people are thinking about data ownership and digital independence. Public figures and celebrities have encouraged users to try an Indian-made app, giving Arattai both social and cultural credibility.
The name Arattai adds a personal touch. It simply means “chat” in Tamil, making it familiar and friendly. Unlike global apps with foreign names, Arattai feels relatable, which has helped it gain early trust and adoption.
Although the app was quietly launched in 2021, it stayed under the radar for years while WhatsApp dominated. The past week changed that. A surge in downloads pushed it to the top of app store charts, making it the number one social networking app. Rising discussions about data privacy, the push for Swadeshi apps, and endorsements from influential voices all helped this momentum. Zoho’s technical ability also allowed the app to handle millions of new users at once.
Arattai has gone from being little-known to a national headline in a matter of days. Its position as a Swadeshi alternative to WhatsApp has struck a chord with many users. With features like Pocket, Meetings, and smooth performance on basic phones, it offers more than just a copy of WhatsApp.
Still, challenges remain. Competing with WhatsApp’s global reach, ensuring long-term user trust, and expanding features will decide its future. For now, Arattai is more than just a messaging tool, it’s a symbol of India’s growing confidence in building world-class technology at home.
Also read: https://deshwale.com/india-asia-cup-2025-triumph-trophy-nahin-jazba-hi-kaafi-tha/
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