The Indian WhatsApp? Arattai Messenger set to compete… – inkl

Arattai Messenger has quickly become one of the most downloaded apps in the world, crossing the 5 million mark within days of launch. Developed in India as part of Zoho’s new messaging platform, the insant messanger app’s sudden rise reflects both a surge of local pride and growing interest in alternatives to established communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger. Arattai has already outpaced popular apps like Telegram, Messenger, and Snapchat, each currently holding around 2 million downloads on the global chart for October 2025. An ambitious homegrown challenger However, while Aratti’s download numbers look impressive, questions remain about its long-term sustainability and its approach to privacy protection. Arattai, which means “chat” in Tamil, is designed to offer an inclusive experience for users across all device types, particularly those with low-end smartphones and unstable internet connections. According to Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, the goal is to build a lightweight communication tool accessible even in areas where high-speed connectivity is still limited. The app includes standard messaging functions such as text, calls, and file sharing, along with an Android TV version, a feature that WhatsApp has yet to introduce. These capabilities have positioned Arattai as both a general communication tool
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