Zoho Corporation’s Arattai messaging app — launched in 2021 with a focus on privacy, security, and local data storage — has crossed 7.5 million downloads in India since September 2025. The surge comes on the back of endorsements from business leaders like Anand Mahindra and growing support for digital self-reliance initiatives promoted by the government.
Founder Sridhar Vembu recently stirred online conversations by sharing regional language translations of the Tamil word “Arattai” (meaning “chat”), leading to spirited debates among users about linguistic authenticity and cultural adaptation.
Designed as a homegrown alternative to global messaging platforms, Arattai offers ad-free messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing, all optimized for low-bandwidth networks. The company has also announced upcoming features including end-to-end encryption and AI-powered tools to enhance user experience and privacy.