'Ankur' is based on a true incident that director Shyam Benegal re-worked into a short story. It tells the tale of wealthy farmer's son, Surya (Anant Nag) who is forced by his domineering father to marry (this marriage is not immediately consummated as his bride is too young). Surya is also instructed to give up his studies and look after the family land. Young Surya is bitter and frustrated and while living alone in his rural home, he becomes infatuated with his servant Laxmi (Shabana Azmi), who is the lower caste wife of the deaf-mute potter Kishtaya (Sadhu Meher).

A strange love story develops between Surya and Laxmi. As long as the landlord's son assumes no responsibility for his sexual relationship, he is happy to enjoy Laxmi's attentions. But when he finds out that the servant is pregnant and destitute, he turns his back on her.