Kankal is a social horror drama which shows how a spirit can fulfil its desire with its intense power. The story begins with Abhay being killed by a skeleton and police come for the inspection. Dr. Sanyal takes us back to the story where Tarala got married to Rattan, a rich man. But Tarala's sister-in-law's brother, Abhay was in love with Tarala whom Tarala didn't like for his bad attitude and lower education. So to take the revenge, Abhay married Rattan's sister. By moulding Rattan, Abhay took all his wealth and tried to rape Tarala. Though Rattan came to save her, he was being driven out by Abhay. In this situation Tarala passes away unknowingly and Abhay tried to hide her dead body by throwing it in the river. Rattan unable to find his wife became mad and roamed around in search for her.

The sole dream of Ramu, eldest son a family of migrants, and Uma to build a happy life together is burdened by a pile of obstacles on their way due to economic upheaval in post-partition Calcutta.