Arattai

Arattai Messenger (or simply Arattai) is an instant messaging and calling application developed by Zoho Corporation. It is positioned as a privacy-focused, Indian-made alternative to global messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The name "Arattai" is a Tamil word meaning "chat" or "casual conversation."

Core Philosophy and Security

Arattai's development aligns with Zoho's overall commitment to user privacy, emphasizing that the application does not rely on advertising or commercial exploitation of user data.

Data Localisation: All user data is stored within Indian data centers, appealing to the national call for data sovereignty.
Ad-Free Experience: The app maintains an ad-free interface, assuring users that their conversations are private and not mined for commercial purposes.
Encryption: All voice and video calls on Arattai are end-to-end encrypted by default.
Text Message Encryption: While initially lacking end-to-end encryption for text messages, Zoho has recently confirmed the feature is being rolled out to personal chats, with group chat encryption planned for a later stage.

Key Features and Productivity Tools

Arattai integrates several features designed to enhance communication and productivity, often drawing comparisons to both consumer and workplace chat applications.

Meetings Feature: Users can create, join, or schedule video meetings directly within the app, removing the need for separate conferencing software.
Pocket: A unique personal cloud storage feature that allows users to save messages, media, notes, and reminders in a secure, private space for easy, cross-device access.
Mentions Tab: Similar to workplace communication tools, it provides a dedicated tab that aggregates all messages where the user was explicitly @mentioned in group chats, ensuring important notifications are not missed.
No Forced AI: In a conscious design choice, Arattai maintains a clean user experience by not integrating intrusive AI features into the main chat interface.
Cross-Platform Availability: Arattai is available across major operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, with seamless synchronization of messages and contacts.
Group and Channel Support: The app supports large group chats (up to 1,000 participants) and channels for broader communication and broadcasting.

History and Market Positioning

Arattai was soft-launched in January 2021, coinciding with heightened user concerns and a public exodus from a competing platform over its privacy policy changes.

Target Audience: It aims to serve both individual users, families, and Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) seeking a secure communication tool.
Surge in Popularity: The app saw a significant surge in downloads in late 2025, temporarily topping the charts in India, driven by renewed interest in supporting homegrown technology.
WhatsApp Chat Import: The app allows users to export chat history from WhatsApp and import it into Arattai on an individual chat basis, facilitating an easier transition for users considering a switch.