rattai app—Zoho’s homegrown messenger—has surged to the top of India’s app stores, positioning itself as a spyware-free, made-in-India WhatsApp alternative. The momentum accelerated after Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra said he downloaded it “with pride,” drawing a warm response from Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu. Launched in 2021, Arattai (Tamil for “chat”) is riding a wave of privacy concerns, AI anxieties, and growing support for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with leaders such as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan encouraging the use of indigenous platforms.
Key Takeaways (Quick Read)
- Made in India messenger by Zoho, pitched as spyware-free and privacy-first.
- Public nods from Indian leaders—including Anand Mahindra—boosted awareness.
- Built for everyday chat: personal, family, communities, and businesses.
- A strong WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal alternative for users prioritizing trust and local innovation.
What Is the Arattai App?
Arattai began as a focused side project in 2021. As spyware scandals and Big Tech scrutiny grew, its clear pitch—“spyware-free, made-in-India messenger”—resonated with users. The result: rapid chart climbs and widespread word-of-mouth, amplified by influential endorsements.
Why Arattai Is Trending in India
- Privacy first: Users want messaging that doesn’t feel invasive.
- Indigenous tech: Aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India.
- Trust halo: Endorsements from industry leaders and policymakers.
- Simple, fast UX: Lightweight performance that just works.
Arattai App Features (At a Glance)
- 1:1 & Group Chats: Smooth day-to-day messaging for friends, families, and teams.
- Voice & Video Calling: Crisp calls designed for real-world Indian networks.
- Media & File Sharing: Photos, videos, documents—share without friction.
- Channels/Communities: Reach larger audiences for announcements and updates.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Android and iOS support.
- Privacy-Led Design: Built on Zoho’s long-standing privacy philosophy and spyware-free stance.
Arattai vs WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal (Quick Comparison)
| Factor | Arattai | Telegram | Signal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Zoho (India) | Meta (US) | Telegram FZ LLC | Signal Foundation |
| Positioning | Spyware-free, made in India | Global mainstream | Feature-rich, cloud-centric | Privacy-centric |
| Local Resonance | High (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Endorsements | Indian leaders & industry voices | – | – | – |
Anand Mahindra’s Public Nod to Arattai
When Anand Mahindra shared that he downloaded Arattai “with pride,” it sent a powerful message: Indian tech can be world-class. The acknowledgement from Sridhar Vembu reinforced Arattai’s narrative of trust, privacy, and self-reliance.
Arattai & Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Adopting indigenous digital platforms is now a mainstream conversation. With leaders like Dharmendra Pradhan urging citizens to choose homegrown apps, Arattai has become a natural example of Indian innovation serving Indian users.
How to Download & Get Started
- Open Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
- Search “Arattai Zoho”.
- Install, verify your number, and set up your profile.
- Create or join groups/channels and start chatting.
Who Should Use Arattai?
- Privacy-conscious users tired of noisy, ad-driven ecosystems.
- Communities & local businesses wanting simple broadcast and group tools.
- Citizens supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Indian tech craftsmanship.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Spyware-free, privacy-first positioning
- Indian ownership & strong local relevance
- Simple, fast, and lightweight UX
Cons
- Smaller global network than incumbents
- Feature parity can vary by update cycle
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Is Arattai a safe messaging app?
Arattai’s core pitch is spyware-free, privacy-first messaging from an Indian company (Zoho).
Is Arattai better than WhatsApp?
It depends on what you value. If you prioritize privacy, local ownership, and a clean experience, Arattai is a compelling alternative.
Who created Arattai?
Arattai is built by Zoho, led by founder Sridhar Vembu.
Is Arattai available on iPhone and Android?
Yes—download it from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Does Arattai support large groups or channels?
Yes—it’s designed for group conversations and community-style updates.
Conclusion
With privacy at its core, a made-in-India identity, and endorsements from prominent leaders, Arattai app is a credible WhatsApp alternative for users who want a clean, trustworthy messenger. If you’re seeking a spyware-free Indian messaging app, Arattai deserves a spot on your phone.

